CM Bhagwant Mann Flags Off 8th Batch Of Punjab School Principals To Singapore For Global Training

Punjab education reforms focus on international training for government school principals at the Principal Academy in Singapore, aiming to raise teaching standards and student outcomes while reinforcing governance and policy priorities.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann flagged off the eighth group of 30 government school principals for training at the Principal Academy in Singapore, linking the visit to wider plans for Punjab’s public schools and using the occasion to restate the state government’s stand on national politics and key economic and foreign policy issues.

Addressing media after the flag-off, Bhagwant Mann confirmed that Punjab will resist the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, at every stage, while also criticising the BJP-led Union government, the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, accusing political rivals of ignoring Punjab’s interests and trying to derail current governance efforts.

Punjab education push: overseas training and governance agenda

On social media platform X, Bhagwant Mann posted, "Today, another batch of principals from government schools in Punjab departed for Singapore for training. I met them on this occasion, wished them well, and encouraged them to make the trip a success.* He added that the programme was part of broader reforms in Punjab’s government education system.

Bhagwant Mann further wrote, "Our government's goal is to ensure that the children of Punjab receive world-class, 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 empowers every child in Punjab to dream big and achieve them."

Punjab education reforms: Singapore training numbers and process

Detailing the initiative, the Punjab Chief Minister stated, "To provide world-class exposure to heads of government schools, the eighth batch of 30 principals is leaving for training at the Principal Academy in Singapore from March 8 to 14. So far eight batches comprising 234 principals and education officers have been sent to Singapore for training." Selection is based on a transparent process with verification by District Education Officers.

The Punjab CM continued, "During the training, these principals are acquainted with modern teaching practices prevalent abroad. After their return, they share these practices with students and colleagues so that our students get exposure to global standards of education. This path-breaking initiative is rejuvenating the education system of the state and these teachers are acting as agents of change by ensuring quality education for students. Such initiatives help in upscaling the expertise of teachers and ensure that they are well-versed with modern teaching methods so that students can compete at the international level."

Officials highlighted the scale and schedule of the Singapore component of the Punjab education plan in simple terms using the following data set:

Punjab education outcomes, student performance and social impact

Expressing satisfaction with results from recent Punjab education measures, Bhagwant Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala. Students are also being provided specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT. Around 300 students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations. The AAP-led Punjab government is giving major thrust to strengthening education in government schools."

Linking Punjab education policy to social mobility, Bhagwant Mann added, "In the coming days, a person will be considered rich not by his wealth but by the education acquired by his children. That is why the state government is focusing on providing quality education to every child. It is a matter of great pride that on the eve of International Women's Day, a farmer's daughter from Punjab secured the 15th rank in the UPSC examination. Our government is giving wings to the daughters of the state so that they can excel in every field."

On economic development, the Chief Minister said, "March 20 will be a red-letter day for Punjab as Tata Steel will begin operations at its second-largest plant in India on this day. The project, being set up at a cost of ₹3,200 crore, will generate employment opportunities for the youth and significantly boost economic activity in the state. Officials projected that new jobs and related services would support households whose children benefit from Punjab education initiatives.

Answering a query on Punjabis stuck abroad, Bhagwant Mann responded, "So far 385 persons from Punjab have been identified as stranded in Middle East countries amid the ongoing conflict. Around 300 of them are stuck in the UAE and the rest are in other countries of the region." He said Punjab authorities were in regular contact with the Union government about their safe return, while also stressing the role of Punjab education in preparing youth for safer overseas work.

On foreign policy and energy ties, the Chief Minister was asked about US President remarks on India purchasing Russian oil. Bhagwant Mann said, "Those who used to boast that India would become 'Vishav Guru' have instead reduced it to 'Vishav Chela' as the United States is dictating its terms to the country. It is unfortunate that the country's foreign policy and sovereignty appear to be compromised." He linked these concerns with Punjab education priorities and state rights.

Reiterating opposition to central legislation, Bhagwant Mann announced that Punjab will firmly resist the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. He argued, "This is an attempt by the Union Government to usurp the rights of the states, which cannot be tolerated. Electricity, health and education are state subjects and the Centre has no right to interfere in them." He maintained that control over Punjab education and power policy must remain with the state.

Turning to domestic politics, the Punjab Chief Minister criticised the Congress decision to boycott the Governor’s address. He said, "Some self-proclaimed seasoned politicians are indulging in theatrics to hog media attention as they cannot digest that Punjab is back on the path of progress and prosperity." Targeting Shiromani Akali Dal, Bhagwant Mann added, "Sukhbir Singh Badal is living in a fool's paradise and building castles in the air to mislead people. The people of Punjab are well aware of the past record of such leaders and will never allow them another chance to ruin the state." Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other officials were present during the Singapore batch flag-off, which remained framed as part of a wider Punjab education and governance strategy.