Harjot Bains Hails Budget as Historic as Punjab Earmarks Massive Allocation of 12% of Total Expenditure
-
₹17,975 Crore Budget Allocation to Revolutionize Education Sector, Says Education Minister Bains
-
Punjab Focuses on Quality Learning, Holistic Development, Sustainable Infrastructure & Inclusive Growth to Become a National Leader in Education
Chandigarh, March 26, 2025:
Punjab School, Higher & Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains today praised the state budget 2025-26 as a landmark step towards educational transformation, with a massive allocation of ₹17,975 crore (12% of the total expenditure) for the education sector.
The budget focuses on strengthening school education through Mission Samrath, which has already benefited 14 lakh students across 19,000 schools, improving learning outcomes by 15-25%. Key initiatives include ₹1,240 crore for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, ₹466 crore for PM Poshan, ₹75 crore for free books, and ₹35 crore for uniforms. The government is also converting 425 primary schools into 'Schools of Happiness' and has installed solar power systems in 4,098 schools, Bains said.
In higher education, ₹199 crore has been allocated under RUSA and ₹160 crore for infrastructure upgrades, while technical education has received ₹579 crore, including ₹33 crore for the construction of new ITIs. The Education Minister highlighted this year's record 93.04% admission rate in government ITIs as evidence of the government's success.
Emphasizing the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government to global standards, Bains said hundreds of educators have been sent for training at premier institutions.
"This budget showcases our four pillars of educational excellence: quality learning, holistic development, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive growth — to make Punjab a national leader in the education field," he stated.