Sunam/Longowal (PEN News): Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora has launched a special education initiative in Sunam constituency under which school bags will be distributed to 19,886 students studying in 129 government schools.
The distribution drive was launched at Shaheed S. Bhagwan Singh Government Smart School (Girls), Longowal, where 5,710 girl students studying in Classes 6 to 12 received school bags in the first phase. Aman Arora’s wife, Sabina Arora, was also present during the programme.
Aman Arora said the initiative is being undertaken by his family through the Babu Bhagwan Das Arora Foundation. He said school bags would be distributed to the remaining students across the constituency in the coming days.
Focus on Students from Needy Families
Aman Arora said providing basic educational facilities to children from economically weaker and needy families is a collective responsibility. He said the initiative is aimed not only at providing convenience to students but also at encouraging them towards education and boosting their confidence.
He said meritorious students from Sunam constituency who achieved success in national-level competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE were also honoured to motivate other students to perform better academically.
13 Students Qualify NEET/JEE
According to Aman Arora, 13 students from Sunam constituency qualified NEET/JEE, including eight girls. Students securing first, second and third positions in their respective classes were also honoured with certificates and medals.
The Cabinet Minister said Punjab’s daughters are continuously making their mark in education and other fields, including medical, non-medical, defence and civil services. He said providing equal opportunities to girls is essential for their future growth.
Aman Arora on Private School Fee Hike
Responding to questions about fee increases by private schools, Aman Arora said the Punjab Government has taken legal measures to protect parents from arbitrary fee hikes.
He said that under the applicable rules, private schools cannot increase fees by more than 5 per cent. If any school charges fees beyond the prescribed limit, action will be taken according to the rules and steps will be taken to ensure the refund of any excess amount collected.
He said the state government is committed to preventing the commercialisation of education and protecting parents from unnecessary financial pressure.
Punjab Government Focusing on Education Reforms
Aman Arora said the Punjab Government is continuously implementing reforms in the education sector and focusing on providing government school students with quality education and necessary facilities.
He said the government wants to ensure that no child is deprived of education because of financial difficulties. Recognising the achievements of government school students and providing them with better educational facilities remains a priority, he added.
He further said students from Punjab government schools are performing exceptionally well at the national level, which is a matter of pride for the state.
Aman Arora said that irrespective of the stream or trade chosen by students, he would continue to support them and remain committed to creating better opportunities for their future.
The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Ravjot Grewal, District Education Officer Tarwinder Kaur, officials from various departments, prominent citizens, students, parents and local residents.
