CM Bhagwant Mann Flags Off 8th Batch Of Principals For Singapore

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann flagged off the eighth batch of principals from 30 government schools for training at the Principals’ Academy in Singapore. Speaking on the occasion, he said the initiative aims to introduce teachers to global education practices and further strengthen the state’s public education system.

The Chief Minister also addressed several political issues. He stressed that the Punjab Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be strongly opposed. He also targeted the BJP-led central government, the Congress, and Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann wrote on the X, “Today another batch of principals from government schools in Punjab left for Singapore for training. I met them on this occasion, wished them well, and encouraged them for the success of their trip.”

He further wrote, “Our government’s goal is to ensure that the children of Punjab receive world-class and quality education. In line with this vision, we are continuously providing international-level training opportunities to our teachers and principals so that they can learn new and modern methods and further strengthen Punjab’s education system. Our goal is not just to build schools, but to create an education system that enables every child in Punjab to dream big and achieve them.”

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said, “To provide world-class opportunities to government school heads, the eighth batch of 30 principals will receive training at the Principal Academy in Singapore from March 8 to 14. So far, 234 principals and eight batches of education officers have been sent to Singapore for training.” He explained that a transparent selection process was followed for this program, after which the selected principals were verified by the District Education Officers.

The Chief Minister further stated that during the training, these principals become familiar with modern education practices prevalent in foreign countries. Upon their return, they share these experiences with their students and colleagues, enabling them to compete at a global level. He stated that this initiative is playing a vital role in revitalizing the state’s education system and ensuring quality education for both teachers and students.

Expressing satisfaction with the students’ performance, the Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of pride that Punjab has surpassed Kerala to rank first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India. Students are also being provided specialized coaching for preparation for the armed forces and competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, and NIFT. Nearly 300 students from the School of Eminence and other government schools have qualified for the JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET exams. The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government is placing special emphasis on strengthening education in government schools.”

Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “In the future, a person will be considered rich not by their wealth, but by the education their children receive. That is why the state government is focusing on providing quality education to every child. It is also a matter of pride that on the eve of International Women’s Day, a farmer’s daughter from Punjab secured 15th rank in the UPSC exam. Our government is providing opportunities for the state’s daughters to advance so they can reach new heights in every field.”

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said, “March 20th will be a historic day for Punjab, as Tata Steel will commence operations on its second-largest plant in India on this day. This project, being set up at a cost of ₹3,200 crore, will create employment opportunities for the youth and boost economic activity in the state.”

Responding to another question, he said, “385 people from Punjab stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing tensions have been identified. Of these, approximately 300 are in the United Arab Emirates and the rest in other countries.” He said the state government is continuously raising this issue with the Indian government and is committed to ensuring their safe return.

When asked about the US President’s comments on India’s purchase of oil from Russia, the Chief Minister sarcastically said, “Those who said India would become a ‘world leader’ have turned it into a ‘world disciple’, as the US is dictating its terms to the country. It is unfortunate that the country’s foreign policy and sovereignty are being compromised.”

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would strongly oppose the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He said, “This is an attempt by the central government to usurp the rights of the states, which cannot be tolerated. Electricity, health, and education are state subjects, and the central government has no right to interfere in them.”

Criticizing the Congress for boycotting the Governor’s speech, he said, “People who consider themselves big leaders are staging a drama to attract media attention because they cannot accept that Punjab is returning to the path of development and prosperity.”

Targeting Akali leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, he said, “Sukhbir Singh Badal is out of touch with ground realities and is building castles in the air to mislead the people. The people of Punjab are well aware of the past record of such leaders and will never give them another chance to ruin the state.” Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.