Chandigarh, March 17 The AAP government announced on Tuesday the launch of 'Punjab Education Reform 2.0', a transformative new phase of school education reform involving an investment of ₹3,500 crore over the next six years.
The initiative aims to deepen structural reforms in government schools and align Punjab's education system with global standards, according to an official statement.
The state government has also partnered with the World Bank to support the implementation of the program.
This partnership reflects the international recognition of the measurable progress Punjab has already achieved in public education reforms, it said.
The ₹3,500-crore mission comprises ₹2,500 crore in World Bank loan assistance and ₹1,000 crore from the state government, it said.
Over the past two years, the state has implemented structured career guidance systems, expanded access to science and commerce streams, strengthened teacher training programs, and modernized school infrastructure across thousands of institutions, ensuring that reforms move beyond announcements to measurable outcomes.
These systemic reforms have laid a strong and credible foundation, it said, adding that 'Punjab Education Reform 2.0' now aims to institutionalize these gains and prepare Punjab's education system to compete with the best in the world.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the success of 'Punjab Education Reform' has already transformed the state's education narrative.
"Punjab has shown that government schools can lead the nation. Achieving the number one ranking in the PARAKH National Survey 2024 is proof of this transformation. With 'Punjab Education Reform 2.0', we are now preparing our education system to compete with the best in the world," he said.
"The collaboration with the World Bank reflects the credibility and transparency with which Punjab has carried out education reforms. This is the next step forward in our commitment to every child," said the Chief Minister.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that 'Punjab Education Reform 2.0' has already delivered measurable results, and the next phase will expand the scope and depth of the reforms.
" 'Punjab Education Reform 2.0' will now accelerate our journey from national leadership to global excellence. Every child in Punjab deserves opportunities that match international standards, and this mission will help us achieve that vision," said Bains.
The ₹3,500-crore mission will deepen and sustain the gains of 'Punjab Education Reform' through focused and outcome-driven interventions, the statement said.
The initiative will prioritize strengthening foundational learning by ensuring that every child achieves foundational skills through structured assessments, improved pedagogy, and targeted academic support, it said.
It will expand pathways to higher education and careers by increasing access to science and commerce streams, upgrading vocational education, and introducing structured career counselling systems to guide students toward higher education and meaningful employment.
A comprehensive career guidance portal will be introduced to digitally enable personalized counselling, aptitude assessment, and informed career and stream choices for students across the state, it said.