Ramesh Chander
(Asian Independent)- There is no point in reiterating that education and training of youth is an important ingredient not only in the development of personality of the individual but also in the progress and prosperity of the country and the society at large. PM Narendra Modi commented on the NEP, 2020 (new education policy) and said National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 would play an important role in creating a generation free from the mentality of slavery; eager for innovations; ready to bring laurels in fields from science to sports; and willing to skill themselves as per the needs of the 21st century. Let us hope we succeed in attaining the lofty goals in this regard with a view to make India – Vishav Guru.
Over the decades, since independence in 1947, the respective governments have been doing their bit to impart education and training to the young generations of Punjab and as a result we have come a long way in this regard. But, it is also a fact that we are still to go a long way to meet the challenges of the fast changing scenario
to catch up with the future. Punjab was doing well in the field of education and training as such was one of the leading states in human-resource development but, of late, it has lagged behind and is increasingly becoming a matter of concern and worry. Governments are required to address the issue head-on. I think the first and foremost need to do that is to create an edifice of good education and training. It is a matter of gratification to note that the Punjab Government under the stewardship of CM Bhagwant Mann has taken some appropriate and appreciable initiatives and actions to reform, and strengthens the education and training facilities to meet the needs of the younger generation in the years to come. Speaking in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, CM Bhagwant Mann announced multipronged improvements in the education sector, which he termed the bedrock for building a new society. He said government schools in the state will be transformed into ‘schools of eminence’. He added to ensure that students get quality and affordable education, the government was committed not only to building state-of-the-art government schools but also regulating fees in private schools. Underscoring the need for revamping teacher training practices, the chief minister said best practices will be considered from across the country and the world. Some of the salient points of the new initiatives are:-
Ø State government’s collaboration with regional English language office of the US Embassy in New Delhi to train around 50 mentors who will to further train the teachers.
Ø Setting up 19 new industrial training institutes to provide quality technical education. Several new courses are under consideration to be introduced in various Industrial Training Institutes.
Ø Open 10 centers for providing training to youngsters free of cost for competitive exams of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Ø Training and orientation courses to the teachers at IIMs, IITs and other institutes of high learning.
Ø Training and orientation course to teachers in foreign universities and institutions
Ø MOU with British Council of Education India Private Limited for opening of new avenues of employment for youth – English for employability skills.
Ø Revival of posts of PT instructors in the schools for instilling discipline and physical fitness.
Ø Kheda Watan Punjab Dian – to give major fillip to sports.
Ø Training and knowledge on Agriculture to the young students as vocational inputs
These are some of new steps and initiatives to make Punjab a ‘Hub of Quality Education’ as termed by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. These are appreciable activities which would tend to yield handsome dividends in due course. The western developed countries impart basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, and gardening etc. at the school level. The decision to educate and train our young students in the basic agriculture is a welcome step. The English language is a recognized vehicle of embarking on the journey to a dignified destination of wholesome bread and butter. Punjab government’s institutional arrangements with the USA and the UK to enhance English language knowledge will go a long way in creating good avenues of employment of youth.
Over the years, it has been observed that Punjab’s share in Indian Civil Services like IFS, IAS, IPS and Allied Services is dwindling. It is a matter of concern. The decision to establish coaching centers for the examinations conducted by the UPSC not only for the civil services but also of the central police forces and also the armed forces is also a much needed step to arrest the decline and get a due and increased share in the elite civil, police and military services. It is a matter of satisfaction that Punjab constitutes of 8% of the Indian army even though Punjab accounts for just 2.5% of India’s population. We not only need to maintain this but also increase our share in the years to come. I take this opportunity to appreciate and congratulate the Government of Punjab under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for the policy initiatives to reform and strengthen Education and Training Facilities, the very basis of development and progress.
My immediate motivation to write about the education and training facilities of Punjab came from my recent, off the cuff, discussion with my brother Paramjit Mahey an ardent AAPIAN, a rank-holder volunteer and fan of CM Bhagwant Singh with regard to these appreciable steps. One related issue also came up – the issue of training an employment of Scheduled Caste youth of Punjab for the civil services and also of defense and police services. SCs constitute more that 35% of the population of Punjab. Punjab’s progress and prosperity is definitely related to this huge mass of population. I would only be happy that if SC youth of Punjab avail of the facilities created by the government and benefit themselves.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
