Harjot Bains Orders DEOs to Spend Two Hours in Field for Improved School Performance
Harjot Bains Orders DEOs to Spend Two Hours in Field to Improve Schools’ Efficacy
Chandigarh, March 10, 2025 — In a strategic move to enhance the quality of education in Punjab, State Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains has directed all District Education Officers (DEOs) across the state to dedicate the first two hours of their working day—9 am to 11 am—on field visits to assess and improve the efficacy of government schools. This directive, aimed at strengthening Punjab’s education system, comes as part of a comprehensive review to ensure better on-ground implementation of various educational initiatives, including the Schools of Eminence (SOEs) project, enrolment drives, and student coaching for competitive exams.
Monthly Reviews to Track DEOs’ Performance
During a marathon review meeting at MGSIPA, S. Harjot Bains emphasized that the performance of DEOs will be closely monitored on a monthly basis. He underscored the importance of ensuring that all school-related programs and initiatives are being effectively executed and that measurable outcomes are being achieved.
“The effectiveness of our education system is paramount. Education is the foundation of Punjab’s future, and it is essential that every district has a clear, actionable, and data-driven plan,” Bains stated. “Our DEOs must take responsibility for ensuring that each school under their jurisdiction delivers high-quality education that meets the government’s world-class standards.”
Key Focus Areas: Schools of Eminence, Enrolment, and Coaching
- Harjot Singh Bains outlined several key areas that require immediate attention from the DEOs. First and foremost, the development of Schools of Eminence (SOEs) was highlighted as a top priority. The Education Minister urged officials to focus on the completion of infrastructure development in these schools, a critical element for their success. Additionally, Bains stressed the importance of filling vacant staff positions, increasing student enrolment, and enhancing student coaching programs for competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET.
“The government is committed to making SOEs the benchmark of excellence in education. We need to ensure that these schools are fully equipped with the necessary infrastructure, qualified staff, and the right coaching mechanisms for competitive exams,” Bains added.
Accelerating Mission Samrath and Foundational Literacy
The Education Minister also highlighted the Mission Samrath initiative, which aims to improve Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) in students from grades 3 to 8. He urged DEOs to set clear targets for improving literacy and numeracy in these grades and to ensure that there is continuous monitoring of student progress.
“Foundational literacy is the bedrock of all future learning. We must give priority to improving reading, writing, and basic math skills for students in grades 3-8. This will have a direct impact on their academic success in the years to come,” Bains explained.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Enrolment Drives
In addition to improving educational standards, Bains also called for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades across schools. He directed the DEOs to ensure that all schools meet the minimum infrastructure standards, which include the provision of separate functional toilets for boys and girls, safe drinking water facilities, dual desks, and proper boundary walls.
Moreover, an intensive enrolment drive was also ordered to increase student admissions at all levels—primary, upper primary, secondary, and senior secondary. The enrolment drive will be paired with targeted outreach programs to encourage more families to send their children to government schools.
Completing Pending Infrastructure Works
A major part of the meeting also focused on resolving bottlenecks related to pending infrastructure projects. These include works funded under NABARD and Samagra Shiksha schemes. Bains directed the officials to ensure that all such projects are completed within their stipulated timelines, addressing any delays immediately.
A Vision for Punjab’s Education System
- Harjot Singh Bains reiterated the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the state’s education system. He stated that education remains the top priority of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government, and all necessary resources will be mobilized to meet the targets set for the education sector.
“We will spare no effort in transforming the education landscape of Punjab. Our children deserve the best, and we will ensure that our schools provide them with the tools and opportunities to succeed,” Bains said.
Collaboration with Senior Officials
The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including Secretary of School Education, Ms. Anindita Mitra, Director General of School Education, Mr. Vinay Bublani, and Special Secretary, Mr. Rajesh Dhiman. These officials, along with other senior department members, discussed specific measures to enhance school performance, improve student outcomes, and ensure smooth implementation of state education initiatives.
Looking Forward
The two-hour field visit mandate for DEOs is just one of many steps the Punjab government is taking to raise the bar in its education system. With a focus on data-driven action plans, targeted student coaching, and comprehensive infrastructure development, Punjab’s schools are set to see significant improvements. The monthly reviews will help track the progress of these initiatives, ensuring that the Education Department remains on course to deliver world-class education to every student.