*Prime Minister is roaming abroad while giving lessons on savings to people of country: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Should people of country stop travelling abroad & do work from home? Then can Prime Minister not do work from home as well? CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Thankfully, Prime Minister only advised people to save money and didn't ask them to beat thalis & clap again: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*War has impacted entire world, but no other country's head apart from PM Modi’s has advised its citizens to focus on savings like this: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH; 16th May 2026:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday strongly criticised the BJP-led Central Government over the steep rise in fuel prices, saying the burden has once again been imposed on common people immediately after elections while those in power continue to lecture citizens on cutting expenses and savings. He said people across the country are struggling with inflation, rising transport costs and increasing household expenditure, but instead of providing relief, the Centre is asking citizens to reduce personal spending.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Prime Minister is roaming abroad while giving lessons on savings to people of country.” He pointed out that ordinary citizens are repeatedly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and reduce expenses while the Prime Minister continues frequent foreign visits at public expense.

Questioning the contradiction in the Centre’s messaging, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Should people of the country stop travelling abroad and do work from home? Then can the Prime Minister not do work from home as well?” He added that the entire world has been impacted by war and global economic uncertainty, but no other country’s head has advised citizens to focus on savings in the manner being done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Taking a swipe at the Centre, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Thankfully, the Prime Minister only advised people to save money and didn’t ask them to beat thalis and clap again.” He asserted that instead of symbolic gestures and lectures, people expect practical steps to control inflation and reduce the financial burden on households, farmers and small businesses.

Referring to the impact of global developments, the Chief Minister said that war and economic instability have affected countries across the world, but governments elsewhere are trying to provide relief to citizens rather than shifting the burden onto the public through higher prices and moral lectures on expenditure. “War has impacted the entire world, but no other country’s head apart from PM Modi’s has advised its citizens to focus on savings like this,” he added.

*Punjab will not compromise on its water rights under any pressure; Haryana will get water only as per legally fixed schedule: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

Referring to the sensitive Bhakra water-sharing issue and recent remarks made by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Chief Minister unequivocally stated that Punjab would firmly safeguard its water rights at every cost. He said Haryana would receive water strictly according to its legally scheduled quota and not before the stipulated timeline.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab will not compromise on its water rights under any pressure.” He added that water is an emotional, economic and agricultural lifeline for Punjab and the state government is fully committed to protecting every drop for future generations.

*Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state; every drop is linked to farmers, economy & future generations: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

Reiterating Punjab’s position, the Chief Minister said, “Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state.” He said the Punjab Government remains committed to saving the waters of the state and protecting the interests of farmers and rural communities dependent on agriculture.

*People are supporting AAP because they can see development on ground instead of empty political rhetoric: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

Expressing confidence ahead of the upcoming local body elections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said people are strongly backing the government because visible development is taking place on the ground. He highlighted that employment opportunities are expanding, urban infrastructure is improving, roads and sewerage systems are being upgraded, toll plazas are being removed and development grants worth crores are being released for cities and towns across Punjab.

In a pointed political attack, the Chief Minister said the Shiromani Akali Dal has steadily lost both public support and credibility due to years of political decline and disconnect from people’s aspirations. He stated that the Akalis no longer command the trust they once enjoyed among Punjabis.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Akalis had bruised the psyche of every Punjabi in general and Sikhs in particular through incidents of sacrilege. He added that Punjabis will never forgive the Akalis for their sins against Punjab and its people.

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*72 teachers from Punjab Govt schools leave for Finland for training, giving further strength to Bhagwant Mann Govt's ‘Shikhya Kranti’*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann sends Punjab Govt school teachers for Finland training & calls for revolutionary reforms in classrooms after their return*

*This is the 4th & largest batch so far; 216 primary teachers have already received training in Finland in 3 previous batches: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Punjab has become No.1 in country in education because teachers are being given international training exposure: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Govt schools have recorded higher pass percentage than private schools in board examinations due to positive environment created by Punjab Govt: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*For first time, our govt started Parent-Teacher Meetings in government schools & lakhs of parents are participating in them: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

CHANDIGARH, 16th May 2026:In a major push to Punjab’s rapidly expanding ‘Sikhya Kranti’, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday flagged off the largest-ever batch of 72 government school teachers for advanced training in Finland, asserting that the Punjab Government’s investment in teacher training, modern classrooms and academic reforms has transformed Punjab into the country’s leading state in education.

Drawing a sharp contrast with the decades-long neglect of public education by previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab’s government schools are now outperforming private schools in board examination results, while lakhs of parents are voluntarily participating in Parent-Teacher Meetings started for the first time by the present government. He maintained that exposure to world-class education systems is helping create revolutionary changes inside classrooms and strengthening the Punjab Government’s mission to make government schools the first choice of every parent.

Addressing the teachers before their departure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A total of 72 government school teachers have been selected for advanced pedagogical training at the globally acclaimed University of Turku in Finland. These teachers will undergo intensive exposure to modern teaching methodologies, innovative classroom practices, student-centric learning models and globally benchmarked education systems till May 29.”

The Chief Minister stated, “This initiative marks another major milestone in Punjab’s education reform programme, which has emerged as one of the most aggressively pursued governance transformations in the country.”

Describing teachers as the “true nation builders” entrusted with shaping Punjab’s future generations, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab Government is not merely investing in infrastructure but fundamentally rebuilding the educational ecosystem from the ground up. Punjab’s education reforms are no longer confined to policy announcements but are now producing measurable and nationally recognised outcomes.”

Citing the latest educational indicators released by NITI Aayog, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab has outperformed several traditionally strong educational states, including Kerala, Maharashtra and Haryana, across multiple parameters related to school education.”

He added, “Punjab has registered exceptional performance in Mathematics, Science and Language proficiency while simultaneously emerging as a frontrunner in smart school infrastructure, digital learning facilities and classroom management standards. The results clearly demonstrate that government schools in Punjab are undergoing a historic transformation after decades of neglect.”

Highlighting the significance of the Finland training programme, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “This initiative is part of a broader strategy to equip Punjab’s teachers with international exposure and future-ready educational practices. It is not merely a ceremonial foreign visit but a structured learning experience aimed at bringing practical innovation directly into Punjab’s classrooms.”

He further stated, “The teachers will closely study Finland’s globally celebrated education system, which is known for its emphasis on conceptual learning, critical thinking, emotional well-being of students and minimal rote memorisation. The training will also focus on collaborative teaching techniques, classroom engagement models, assessment reforms and integration of technology in education.”

Referring to the impact of earlier international training batches, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted, “The positive outcomes are already visible across government schools in Punjab. Trained teachers have introduced more interactive learning environments, improved classroom discipline and adopted student-friendly approaches that have significantly enhanced academic performance.”

Highlighting the scale of infrastructure improvement undertaken by the Punjab Government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Computers are now available in nearly 99 percent of government schools, while electricity connectivity has reached almost 99.9 percent institutions across Punjab. These developments have laid the foundation for a technologically empowered and inclusive education system.”

Crediting teachers for becoming active partners in Punjab’s education revolution, he said, “Despite years of systemic challenges, Punjab’s teachers have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and adaptability in embracing reforms and modern teaching techniques.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also lauded Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains and said, “Harjot Singh Bains has personally spearheaded reforms at the grassroots level. His continuous visits to schools and direct monitoring of academic standards and infrastructure projects have ensured accountability and accelerated implementation.”

The Chief Minister further said, “The Bhagwant Mann Government has consciously attempted to free teachers from excessive administrative burdens so they can focus exclusively on academics and student development. The appointment of campus managers and support staff in schools has played a crucial role in reducing non-teaching responsibilities for educators.”

Referring to Punjab’s recent Class 12 board examination results, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These results stand as one of the strongest indicators of the changing educational landscape in Punjab. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that students from government schools are now competing with and in many cases outperforming their peers from elite private institutions.”

Highlighting a remarkable achievement by government school students, he said, “Three girl students secured a perfect score of 500 out of 500 marks in the Class 12 examinations. These students are not confined merely to academics but are also accomplished sportspersons excelling in disciplines such as fencing, handball and basketball.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “This proves that our government school students are not just academically strong but are becoming confident and multidimensional personalities capable of excelling in every field. Punjab’s model is beginning to challenge long-standing perceptions surrounding government schools in India.”

He added, “For decades, public education in many states struggled with declining enrolment, weak infrastructure and lack of parental confidence. Punjab’s aggressive reforms appear to be reversing that trend.”

Highlighting growing public confidence in government schools, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “One of the most striking indicators of this changing public perception is the unprecedented participation of parents in Parent-Teacher Meetings across government schools. Nearly 24 lakh parents attended PTMs to discuss their children’s academic performance, career aspirations and overall development.”

Calling this a sign of renewed trust in public education, he added, “Active collaboration between parents and teachers is creating a healthier educational atmosphere and ensuring greater accountability at every level.”

Reiterating the Bhagwant Mann Government’s commitment to continuous educational innovation and capacity building, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced, “Teachers will continue to be sent for specialised training programmes at globally reputed institutions and centres of excellence, including institutions in Singapore and Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.”

He said, “These initiatives are part of a larger governance philosophy aimed at positioning education as the cornerstone of Punjab’s social and economic progress. By investing simultaneously in teachers, students and infrastructure, the Punjab Government is determined to create a sustainable public education model capable of competing with the best systems globally.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann congratulated the Punjab School Education Board, teachers, officials, students and parents for the remarkable achievements recorded in recent years.

Concluding the event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab’s government schools are steadily emerging as the first choice for parents and students alike. As the 72 teachers embark on their journey to Finland, the symbolism is unmistakable. Punjab is no longer looking inward for educational reform alone but is confidently engaging with the world’s best systems to build a future-ready generation. The message from the Punjab Government is loud and clear that Punjab’s classrooms are not merely changing but they are being reinvented to compete on a global stage.

*Bhagwant Mann Govt's Sikhya Kranti continues to transform government schools, empower teachers & create new opportunities for children from ordinary families*

*Finland Training Programme for Primary Teachers*

18 May – 29 May 2026

• Under the visionary leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government’s School Education Department has been consistently investing in world-class teacher training to strengthen Punjab’s education system. Since 2024, the government has sent a total of 216 primary cadre teachers in three batches to Turku, Finland for advanced training.

• Continuing this historic education reform movement, the fourth batch comprising 72 primary cadre teachers, including Head Teachers (HTs), Centre Head Teachers (CHTs) and Block Primary Education Officers (BPEOs), is being sent to Turku University, Finland for training from 18 May to 29 May 2026.

• Reflecting the Punjab Government’s transparent and merit-based approach, applications for the programme were invited through an online process, and after a rigorous three-stage verification process, 72 teachers were selected. The selected batch includes 43 ETT teachers, 16 HTs, 12 CHTs and 1 BPEO.

• During the two-week programme, the teachers will undertake academic visits to the Teacher Training Centres in Turku and Rauma, where they will gain exposure to globally recognised teaching methods and modern education practices. They will also receive specialised training in Leadership Building and Mentorship Skills to further strengthen Punjab’s government school ecosystem.

• As part of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s long-term vision for educational transformation, the teachers will work on innovative projects that they will implement in their respective schools after returning to Punjab, helping improve learning outcomes, innovation and the overall quality of Punjab’s school education system.

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*State Election Commission, Punjab appoints IAS/senior PCS officers as General Observers for conduct free, fair & peaceful Muncipal General Elections*

Chandigarh, 16 May 2026:Municipal General Elections of 08 Municipal Corporations, 76 Municipal Councils and 21 Nagar Panchayats in the State (total 105) have been announced by the State Election Commission, Punjab and are scheduled for the polling on 26.05.2026 (Tuesday). As an extra measure for the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections, Commission has appointed IAS/senior PCS officers as General Observers across the 23 districts. Details of the General Observers are as follows:-

(1) Sh. Paramdeep Singh, PCS (Amritsar), (2) Ms. Parneet Shergill, IAS (Barnala) (3) Sh. Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, IAS (Bathinda), (4) Sh. Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu, PCS (Ferozepur), (5) Sh. Rubinderjit Singh Brar, IAS (Faridkot), (6) Sh. Rishabh Bansal, PCS (Fazilka), (7) Ms. Hargunjit Kaur, IAS (Fatehgarh Sahib), (8) Sh. Rakesh Kumar Popli, PCS (Gurdaspur), (9) Ms. Harjot Kaur, PCS (Hoshiarpur), (10) Sh. Paramvir Singh, IAS (Jalandhar), (11) Ms. Kanu Thind. PCS (Kapurthala/till 19.05.2026) and Ms. Senu Duggal, IAS (Kapurthala/from 24.05.2026 tr 29.05.2026), (12) Ms. Baldeep Kaur, IAS (Ludhiana), (13) Ms. Nayan, PCS (Moga), (14) Sh. Amit Sareen, PCS (Mansa), (15) Sh. Parmod Singla, PCS (Malerkotla), (16) Sh. Amarbir Singh, PCS (Sri Muktsar Sahib), (17) Ms. Apneet Riyait, IAS (Patiala/till 19.05.2026) and Sh. Rishi Pal Singh, IAS (Patiala/from 24.05.2026 to 29.05.2026), (18) Sh. Amrinder Singh Tiwana, PCS (Pathankot), (19) Sh. Jagjit Singh, PCS (Roopnagar), (20) Ms. Amandeep Kaur, IAS (SBS Nagar), (21) Sh. Abhijeet Kaplish, IAS (Mohali), (22) Sh. Kamal Kumar Garg, IAS (Sangrur), (23) Sh. Vikas Hira, PCS (Tarn Taran).

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