Chandigarh: The education system in Punjab is set for a major transformation as the state government launched Mission Samarth 4.0 to further strengthen school education and learning outcomes.
The initiative was launched by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains along with former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The program is being seen as a major step toward improving accountability and results in the education sector.
A key feature of the initiative is a statewide attendance tracking system, under which parents will receive daily SMS updates regarding their children’s school attendance. Officials said this will enhance parental involvement and ensure regular attendance in schools.
If a student remains absent for a prolonged period, the administration will directly contact parents to prevent disruption in education.
The Education Minister said Punjab had already secured top ranking in the “PARAKH” national survey 2024, and this new phase will further strengthen classroom accountability. He also highlighted that the education budget has been increased to ₹19,279 crore under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
He added that earlier schools lacked basic facilities, but now campus managers, security guards, and sanitation staff have been deployed across major schools, significantly improving the learning environment.
Free textbooks are now being delivered on time, replacing earlier delays that forced teachers to rely on photocopies for instruction.
Mission Samarth 4.0 focuses on improving foundational skills of students from Classes 3 to 8 in reading, writing, and mathematics. The program emphasizes teaching based on learning levels rather than grades to enhance individual student performance.
Manish Sisodia said the initiative proves that government schools can lead educational innovation in India. He added that even a simple SMS to parents can build strong trust and accountability in the system.
A Mission Samarth compendium was also released, showcasing successful teaching practices developed by educators to be replicated across schools.
According to official data, the program has already engaged nearly 1.2 million students and over 70,000 teachers, making it one of the largest foundational learning initiatives in the country.
The Education Minister expressed confidence that this new phase will help Punjab emerge as a leader in education not only at the national level but also globally.
