Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains made a surprise visit to the government schools of Machhiwara Sahib located in Ludhiana district to review the arrangements and regular functioning of the schools. Harjot Bains explains that the move was made to ensure quality education as, he mentions there is nothing more important than the education of children. He affirms that any teacher found neglecting their duty would be dealt with strictly.
Following this directive, the Education Minister, suspended the Block Primary Education Officer (BPEO) with immediate effect during a raid at the Indira Colony Government Primary School in Machhiwara. As per reports the decision was taken after shocking revelations were made during his visit.
Reportedly, during the inspection it was observed that most of the students were unable to read even simple Punjabi text, following which the decision was taken to suspend the Block Primary Education Officer (BPEO).
The Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has also issued show-cause notices to three teachers posted at the school for failing to ensure minimum academic results. The Minister after the visit described the situation of the schools as “extremely worrying” and mentions that if basic education requirements of the children are not fulfilled and strengthened, then the entire future of the coming generation could be jeopardized.
Talking after the visit Minister Bains says, “What I saw today is unacceptable. Children are unable to even in their own mother tongue. In such a situation, how can we expect them to become doctors, engineers or responsible citizens in the future. The Minister during his visit also reviewed the school’s official academic report, which ironically showed good performance of all the students.
Expressing displeasure, the Minister stated that there was a significant discrepancy among the paperwork and the ground reality, and that an investigation would take place into the matter.
Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains warned all the officials that tampering with the records is betrayal of public trust. The Minister also discussed the poor lightening and filth in some classrooms during the visit and ordered immediate improvements to the infrastructure and cleanliness.
Explaining about the situation, the teachers cited staff shortage as an excuse, but the Minister made it clear that the no compromise would be made with the children’s education and reiterated that the Punjab government is committed to strengthening the state’s education system and moving forward strict monitoring would continue. He also made it clear that such surprise inspections would continue across the state to ensure accountability. The Education Minister reaffirmed that any kind of negligence would not be tolerated.
