Punjab CM Launches ‘Sikhya Kranti’ Drive, AAP Minister Sparks Controversy at School Event
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday kicked off the state government’s ambitious ‘Sikhya Kranti’ (Education Revolution) campaign by unveiling a plaque at the School of Eminence (SoE) in Nawanshahr. He was joined by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state incharge Manish Sisodia, widely credited with transforming Delhi’s public education system during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister.
At the launch, CM Mann said the initiative draws inspiration from Delhi’s successful education model. “We’ve adopted a readymade model that has already brought significant changes in Delhi’s schools. Right now, our government is focused on two key priorities — eliminating the drug menace and bringing about an educational revolution,” he said.
The 54-day campaign, running until May 31, aims to inaugurate completed infrastructure projects in around 12,000 schools across Punjab, involving a total investment of ₹2,000 crore. In Nawanshahr, a new block built at a cost of ₹5.68 crore was inaugurated and named after former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
Sisodia emphasized that high-quality education is key to a drug-free society. “AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and CM Mann have devised a two-pronged strategy — strict crackdown on drug traffickers and the creation of an excellent school system. Education is the real long-term solution,” he said.
Controversy in Samana: AAP Minister Scolds Teachers Publicly
However, the day’s events were marred by controversy during a related function at the School of Eminence in Samana, where AAP leader and former Health Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra publicly chastised the school’s staff for alleged mismanagement.
Visibly upset by what he perceived as a lack of discipline and low attendance at the event, Jouramajra lashed out at Principal Harjot Kaur. “This is a complete failure. Is this even a school? Where is the discipline? Why are so many students and teachers missing?” he asked. He went on to threaten that he would lodge a complaint with CM Mann and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, and even raised the possibility of staff transfers.
Jouramajra's remarks, made in front of students and parents, sparked backlash from the teaching community. Vikram Dev, state president of the Democratic Teachers’ Front Punjab, condemned the incident and demanded an unconditional apology. “This kind of public humiliation damages the morale of teachers and sends the wrong message to students. Schools should not become venues for political grandstanding,” he said.
A teacher from the school explained that the institution has 696 students, most of whom come from economically weaker backgrounds. Many parents had to leave the event early to return to work. Additionally, staff said last-minute changes to the standard operating procedure caused confusion about the event's execution.
Principal Harjot Kaur clarified that the students Jouramajra criticized were from the 'Business Blaster' section and not part of the seated audience. She added that the teachers standing were supervising exhibition work, not being inattentive.
As the ‘Sikhya Kranti’ initiative rolls out across Punjab, the incident at Samana has prompted a call for greater sensitivity and cooperation between politicians and educators to ensure the program’s success.
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