Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday, 2 August inaugurated two new Schools of Eminence in Ludhiana, taking the district's total count to 16 — the highest for any single district in the state. The new campuses, located at Kidwai Nagar and Miller Ganj, are equipped with modern classrooms, advanced science laboratories, an auditorium, and other contemporary academic facilities.

What the New Campuses Offer

The two newly dedicated schools are part of the Punjab government's broader push to upgrade public education infrastructure across the state. Each campus features state-of-the-art laboratories, smart classrooms, and purpose-built spaces designed to match private-school standards. Officials said the facilities are intended to make quality education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.

Punjab's Rise in School Education Rankings

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann highlighted that Punjab has climbed from 27th position to number one in school education rankings nationally. He attributed the turnaround to sustained government investment, overseas teacher training programmes, and the adoption of modern pedagogical practices. According to Mann, these combined efforts have shifted parental preference noticeably toward government schools — a reversal of a long-standing trend in the state.

CM Mann's Interaction with Students and Staff

During the visit, Mann toured classrooms, science labs, and other academic spaces, engaging directly with students about their studies and learning experiences. Several students sought his autograph, while others presented him with handmade portraits. He also met teachers and school staff, acknowledging their role in driving the state's education transformation. A parent at the function presented the Chief Minister with a bouquet, praising the government's education initiatives.

What the Government Said

'Today is a historic day for the people of Punjab, especially for the residents of Ludhiana,' Mann said at the inauguration. 'With these two additions, Ludhiana now has 16 Schools of Eminence, making it the first district in Punjab with the highest number of Schools of Eminence.' He reiterated his administration's commitment to building a 'healthy, educated and drug-free Punjab' through universal access to quality schooling.

Broader Context

The Schools of Eminence programme is the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's flagship education initiative in Punjab, modelled in part on the Delhi government school transformation that became a political calling card for the party. This is the latest in a series of school inaugurations Mann has personally presided over across the state. With Ludhiana now leading all districts in the count, attention will likely shift to whether other urban districts receive comparable investment in the months ahead.