Govt schools to replace ‘unboxing’ with ‘installation celebration’ of IT equipment

The Punjab Government has launched a new initiative to modernise the education system in government schools by promoting a digital learning environment. Under this campaign, schools will no longer celebrate the simple “unboxing” of IT equipment. Instead, a special “installation celebration” will be organised only after the digital devices are successfully installed and ready for use in classrooms. The move aims to ensure that digital equipment provided to schools is properly installed and actively used for teaching and learning.

According to directions issued by the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Education Society, the government is expanding digital infrastructure in government secondary schools across the state. Around 5,012 government secondary schools are being provided with computers, while 3,694 schools are receiving Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs). The main aim of this initiative is to strengthen classroom teaching with modern technology and improve students’ learning outcomes through digital tools.

The government has also focused on community participation and transparency in the implementation of this programme. Schools have been instructed to organise “installation celebrations” by March 20, 2026. During these events, school heads will invite parents of students, School Management Committee (SMC) members and local panchayat representatives. The purpose is to create awareness about digital facilities in schools and build a sense of responsibility and ownership among the local community. For organising these events, each school will receive Rs 2,000 from the “Shiksha Kranti” fund.

Strict guidelines have also been issued to ensure proper installation and safety of the IT equipment. The instructions state that unboxing of the equipment must be done only in the presence of an authorised technician and installation should begin on the same day. If any defect or damage is found in the equipment, it must be immediately reported to the District Education Officer (DEO) with photo and video evidence. School heads have also been asked to submit an online scheduling form at least two days before the event and upload a report with photographs on the same day of the programme.

All District Education Officers must also make sure that highlights of the “installation celebrations” are shared on the schools’ social media platforms and that daily updates are maintained through a google sheet for effective tracking of the programme across the state. The initiative is expected to strengthen digital learning in government schools and bring technology directly into the classroom.