Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced at Zaria Foundation’s 10th anniversary, a commitment to shape the future of students
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken another big step in the field of education by announcing the release of 30 crore rupees to Punjabi University Patiala. He made this announcement while addressing students at an event organized at the Punjabi University campus on the occasion of Zaria Foundation's 10th anniversary. The Chief Minister clarified that this amount is being given so that there is no disruption in students’ studies and the institution can continue its educational activities smoothly. This announcement shows the Punjab government’s seriousness about higher education and its policy of prioritizing students' futures. This financial aid to the university, which plays a leading role in preserving Punjabi language and culture, will not only strengthen the infrastructure of the institution but also give wings to the educational dreams of thousands of students.
While speaking directly to the students at the event, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the Punjab government gives the highest priority to education and will not let the students’ studies be affected in any situation. He said that Punjabi University is not just an educational institution but a stronghold of Punjabi language, literature, and culture, whose strength is linked to the identity of the state. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government understands that investment in education is the greatest investment, and that’s why despite financial challenges, there has been no cut in the education budget. He called on students to focus on their studies and make Punjab proud both in India and abroad.
Punjabi University Patiala is one of the few universities in North India dedicated to regional language and culture. Thousands of students pursue higher education here in subjects such as Punjabi literature, linguistics, history, arts, and sciences. In recent years, the university was facing many challenges due to financial crisis, which affected academic activities. This amount of 30 crore rupees will play an important role in solving these problems. It will cover salaries and administrative expenses, as well as investment in developing the library, laboratories, and digital resources. The university administration welcomed this announcement and assured that the funds will be used with full transparency in the best interest of the students.
Since coming to power, the Punjab government has taken many revolutionary steps in education. Development of basic facilities in government schools, transparency in teacher appointments, free books and uniform schemes, and financial help to higher education institutions are important examples. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has repeatedly stated that education is at the top of his government's priority list because educated youth are the true strength of the state. Under this policy, financial assistance is being given from time to time not only to Punjabi University but also to other higher education institutions in the state. This is strengthening Punjab’s position in higher education and more and more students are getting quality education.
Many students, teachers, and social workers attended the event on Zaria Foundation’s 10th anniversary. Zaria Foundation is a non-governmental organization working for social causes, women empowerment, and skill development of youth. In the past decade, it has run many welfare programs for various social groups. The Chief Minister appreciated the foundation’s contribution and said that government and social organizations should work together so that development reaches every section of society. He encouraged students by saying that alongside education, social responsibility is equally important and youth should move ahead with the spirit of giving back to society.
Punjabi University students welcomed the Chief Minister's announcement with great joy. Student union representatives said that this amount has brought them relief because many academic programs and facilities had been disrupted due to financial crisis. Simranjit Kaur, a student of Punjabi literature, said the government’s step shows that Punjab government takes students' concerns seriously. Amarjit Singh, a computer science student, said that now they can focus on their career without any worry. Teachers also appreciated this decision and hoped that this amount would become a milestone in the overall development of the university.
Education experts believe the state government’s step is visionary and welcome. The dominance of private institutions in higher education is increasing in Punjab, so strengthening government universities is very important to ensure that students from economically weaker sections also get quality education. Educationist Dr. Balwinder Singh said institutions like Punjabi University play a key role in keeping regional language and culture alive. He said the government should give regular financial support to such universities so they can develop according to international standards. Experts also feel such announcements send a positive message to youth and encourage them to study within Punjab.
Punjab government has clarified that this amount is released as a one-time grant and the university must use it to meet urgent needs immediately. According to finance department sources, a part of this amount will be used to pay pending salaries of teachers and staff, while the rest will be used for infrastructure development and improvement in academic resources. The university administration has been instructed to submit a detailed report on fund usage to the government every three months. This transparency will ensure public money is spent properly and students get maximum benefit. The government also indicated that if required, more financial assistance may be provided in the future.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s announcement marks an important turning point in Punjab’s education policy. This is a positive message not only for Punjabi University but for the entire state’s higher education system. This step makes it clear that Punjab government is serious about fulfilling its commitments and will not compromise on students’ futures. Investing in education will empower Punjab’s youth in the long run and contribute to the overall development of the state. As this fund reaches the university and its use begins, thousands of students’ faces will brighten with smiles and their dreams will take new flight. Punjab government’s step is a living example of its commitment to education.