Open house: Do you think mentoring by IAS/IPS officers will benefit school students?

Empowering young minds at eary stage

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The Punjab Government’s School Mentorship Programme, which assigns IAS and IPS officers to adopt and mentor government schools, is a visionary initiative aimed at transforming the educational landscape. From an intellectual and expert’s perspective, such interaction offers far more than symbolic value. Civil servants embody discipline, ambition and public service, and their regular engagement can ignite aspirations, offer structured guidance and dismantle the psychological barriers that often limit the dreams of underprivileged students. In settings where opportunities are scarce, such exposure can be life-altering. From a legal and constitutional standpoint, this initiative resonates with Article 21-A of the Constitution, the right to education, and echoes the Directive Principles of State Policy under Articles 38 and 46, which call for social equity and educational advancement for the weaker sections. This programme gives functional meaning to these constitutional ideals by humanising governance and bridging the governance-citizen gap. As for private school inclusion, while noble in intent, it may dilute the transformative focus intended for the public education sector. Private schools already possess greater resources and institutional mentorship. A more strategic approach would be to complement this with parallel mentorship models for private institutions led by professionals from other sectors. In sum, this initiative is a progressive step that not only empowers students but also reinforces the state’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.

Preetpal Singh Chhina

A model for other states to emulate

The School Mentorship Programme is a welcome step by the Punjab Government to uplift government schools. This initiative can become a model for other states. When IAS and IPS officers interact with students, it inspires them to dream big and build confidence, as many students in rural areas lack exposure and guidance. For example, in Patiala and Bathinda, officers have already begun visiting schools and mentoring students, which has boosted attendance and students’ morale. According to the Punjab Education Department, over 250 officers have adopted schools in Phase-1 of the programme. This can also improve school infrastructure and motivation among teachers. While private schools already have more resources and exposure, this scheme must remain focused on government school students for maximum impact. However, occasional combined workshops can promote learning exchange between both sectors.

Jaspreet Singh

Officers can act

as role models

The Punjab Government’s School Mentorship Programme is a commendable initiative. Assigning IAS and IPS officers to mentor government school students can significantly boost motivation, broaden aspirations and improve academic direction. These officers, as role models, bring a wealth of experience, discipline and public service values that can inspire students to aim higher and believe in their potential. It also bridges the gap between bureaucracy and grassroots education. Such efforts will especially benefit under-resourced government schools by bringing attention, exposure and possibly better infrastructure in the long run. However, the inclusion of private school students should be considered carefully. While private schools may already have access to better facilities and guidance, selectively including underprivileged students from budget private schools could promote equity and shared learning. This initiative, if implemented sincerely and consistently, has the power to transform mindsets, raise aspirations and eventually improve the quality of education across the board.

Aarti Rana Chauhan

Education system needs overhaul

Certainly such initiatives will truly benefit students in government schools. Moreover, private school students should also be included in this programme. This is because of the fact any sort of mentorship by IAS and IPS officers will ultimately benefit student community as these officials have got vast education experience and know well the hardships being faced by school students in studying various subjects. Due to their holistic knowledge and administrative skills, they can change the future of school students. But the more relevant question in today’s era is that students are not getting jobs even after attaining education. So, the need of the hour is to change entire education system and focus only on concept-based learning in schools by cutting down vast syllabuses still being taught in all schools.

Sanjay Chawla

Initiative helps

give exposure

The Punjab Government’s School Mentorship Programme is a commendable step towards uplifting government schools. Getting IAS and IPS officers to mentor students can create a strong aspirational impact, especially for those from an underprivileged background. These officers are not just civil servants—they are role models whose journeys can inspire students to dream big and stay committed. Moreover, their mentorship can expose students to real-world challenges, leadership skills and career guidance that textbooks often miss. While private school students may already have access to better resources and exposure, this initiative should primarily focus on bridging the gap for government school students. Later, a collaborative model involving both sectors can be explored for broader impact. For now, let’s empower those who need it the most.

Vriti Madaan

Aiding Empowerment through education

The Punjab Government’s initiative to launch the School Mentorship Programme is indeed a positive step toward bridging the gap between aspiration and opportunity in government schools. Assigning IAS and IPS officers as mentors can have a transformative impact on students, especially in rural or underserved areas where exposure to role models and career guidance is limited. The presence of such high-achieving officers in students’ lives can instill confidence, expand their worldview and motivate them to aim beyond traditional boundaries. This programme goes beyond academic assistance — it creates a connection between students and the systems of governance, helping demystify civil services and public institutions. It also brings accountability and attention to the condition of government schools, which may lead to infrastructural and qualitative improvements in the long run. However, the success of this initiative will depend heavily on its implementation — whether the mentorship is consistent, meaningful and integrated into the school ecosystem rather than being symbolic or occasional. As for including private school students, the focus should remain on government schools for now, as they cater to children who need such support the most. Private school students usually have more access to resources, career counselling and exposure. Yet, in the spirit of inclusive development, the idea of creating joint sessions or interactive forums where both private and government school students can learn together from such officers could promote mutual understanding and reduce social divides. In conclusion, the programme holds promise, and if executed with sincerity and structure, could become a model for educational empowerment across the country.

Jatinder Pal Singh Batth

Creates career awareness

A mentorship programme for government schools can be a powerful initiative to inspire students, instill discipline, promote civic responsibility and provide career guidance. Such a programme would leverage the experience and leadership of IPS and IAS officers to positively influence students, especially in underprivileged government schools. The top ranking officers serve as inspiring figures that can motivate students to aim high. Students learn values like integrity, perseverance and teamwork. They can help create career awareness among the students .Exposure to civil services, law enforcement and public administration can be taught to these students. Students can be made aware about community policing and safety parameters. Students can learn a lot about cyber safety, anti-drug awareness and legal rights. It will also helpful in breaking social barriers. It encourages marginalised students to dream big and pursue education.

Prof Sandeep Kumar Sharma

Mentorship will motivate students

Mentorship activities are definitely going to pay in the long run if it is done consistently and seriously. The best part is to provide career guidance sessions by top-notch officers. Discussing UPSC, police service and other career options can be added to one’s advantage. Personality development classes should be introduced in the higher classes. Public speaking, interview skills, confidence-building can boost their talent and skills more effectively. Legal and civic awareness should be provided to students. Cybercrime prevention, child rights and traffic rules will be beneficial. Physical fitness drills, basic exercises, self-defence and discipline routines must be undertaken. Community project – Volunteering, cleanliness drives and anti-drug campaigns will be good for students. Inspirational talks and success stories of IPS and IAS officers from a humble background will motivate students.

Monica Sharma

Encouragement to teachers also

The recently launched school mentorship programme of the Punjab Government seems to be a good step. But we know that the IAS and IPS officers are already too busy. Moreover, it is not only to provide guidance to young minds but also to encourage the teachers, especially in government schools. There is a need to distinguish teachers from cheaters. No doubt the spellings are similar but the attitude is different. There is a need to motivate and give incentives to dedicated teachers. Now, a major question is how to identify genuine dedicated teachers? Dedicated teachers, especially those who retired from colleges and universities, can volunteer and should be involved in this task. For example, if a retired teacher is living near the school itself, he can be requested. Even the PCS officers can be involved and they can volunteer themselves.

Dr Balvinder Singh

What’s the issue?

The state government had launched school mentorship programme where IPS and IAS officers from Punjab were roped in to interact and mentor students of government schools across the state. The officers will directly adopt a school and mentor students of Class 11 and 12, guiding them on future goals and study material. In the first phase, 20 schools have already had their first mentorship workshop.

Question for next week

The Punjab Government has now amended labour laws to grant shopkeepers the freedom to employ up to 20 workers without fear of inspections. Working hours for shops are set at 9 hours, including breaks for lunch and tea, with overtime pay mandated at double the regular rate for any additional hours. Would these labour laws prove fruitful, given the claims that it would increase employee productivity in small businesses?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (June 12)