Open house: What needs to be done to attract masses to govt schools?

Quality of education is the litmus test

The state government’s claims of having upgraded government schools appear overly optimistic, especially when their much-touted Shiksha Kranti (Education Revolution) has not significantly improved enrolment or raised academic standards. While some institutions have made considerable progress, many continue to face inconsistent teaching quality, inadequate teacher training, and limited access to modern learning tools. For state-funded schools to truly meet required benchmarks, reforms must extend beyond buildings and equipment, and focus on strengthening the academic environment. Continuous teacher development, stricter accountability, and updated, skill-based curricula are essential steps. To attract more students, the system must build trust by ensuring safety, discipline, and consistently strong learning outcomes. Introducing extracurricular activities, career counselling, and collaborations with repinstitutions can further enrich the educational experience. Equally important is fostering a positive school culture where students feel supported and parents feel involved. Ultimately, it is quality education—rather than upgraded infrastructure alone—that will encourage the masses to choose government-funded schools.

Novin Christopher

Establish more ‘Schools of Eminence’

The state government has indeed made significant upgrades to its government schools, with education standards showing marked improvement according to national assessments. However, despite this progress, attracting more students to state-funded schools requires addressing some remaining challenges. The government says it has created 118 ‘Schools of Eminence’ with modern facilities. But there are widespread deficits for some 40 per cent of the schools lack adequate classrooms, 37 per cent of the rural schools lack electricity, and 65 per cent lack science labs. A focused, fast-tracked programme to provide basic amenities like boundary walls, electricity, functional toilets, and science and computer labs is crucial. Concurrently, expanding the successful ‘Schools of Eminence’ model can create more centers of excellence.

The state government must fill the vacant teaching positions on a priority basis. Beyond recruitment, the promising decentralised training model where senior educators mentor junior teachers should be scaled up with dedicated funding to move beyond one-off workshops.

Dr Mohammad Saleem Farooqui

Enhance curriculum to bring real change

Whether government school education is up to standard is debatable, with some schools seeing improvements while many others still lag due to issues like infrastructure, teacher quality, and curriculum relevance. To improve, the government needs to focus on repairing infrastructure, recruiting and training more qualified teachers, enhancing curriculum with 21st century skills and improving monitoring and accountability system. Some schools have received upgrades, such as digital classrooms and improved infrastructure, to enhance teaching standards. Despite upgrades, many schools still suffer from a lack of basic facilities, leading to falling learning levels and skills required for classes. The quality of education varies significantly between different schools and regions. The government should take many steps to improve the standards of education and mass enrolment. Ensure all school buildings are safe and well-maintained. Equip all classrooms with necessary technology, such as computers and large TVs for online lessons. Hire more qualified teachers and ensure a balanced student-to-teacher ratio. Provide continuous, in-service training for teachers on the latest pedagogical methods, including technology integration. Recruit visionary principals to lead schools effectively.

Sukhdev Sharma, Machhiwara

Need to retain kids with special needs

Significant progress has already been realised in the state funded government schools but more focus should be given to the basic problems and issues to attract more students in these schools by starting National programmes like NIPUN Bharat, which focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy, need to be implemented more effectively in Punjab to ensure every child can read and do basic math. There is a need to improve retention of students with special needs and ensure schools are fully accessible. Continuing and expanding student-centric schemes like free bus travel and entrepreneurship seed funding can also significantly boost attractiveness and access. Government must see are the schools up to the required standard? The answer is mixed but promising. In terms of learning outcomes as measured by national surveys, the answer is yes Punjab is now a top performer. However, when it comes to consistent infrastructure, teacher availability, and foundational skills across all schools, the standards are not yet fully met. So government must focus on these issues.

Farzana Khan

Support more sports, cultural programmes

Even if the state government has upgraded government schools and the quality of education now meets the required standards, more efforts are still needed to attract the masses. Parents today look for an environment where their children feel safe, confident, and motivated, so improving school infrastructure, cleanliness, and basic facilities becomes essential. Teachers should be regularly trained and supported so they can teach with energy and clarity. Introducing English-medium sections, smart classrooms, computer labs, and skill-based activities can help government schools match the expectations of modern learners. At the same time, creating awareness through community outreach and sharing success stories can help break the common belief that private schools are automatically better. Strong parent–teacher communication, good transport facilities, nutritious mid-day meals, and active sports and cultural programmes can make government schools truly appealing. When these elements come together, families naturally begin trusting and choosing state-funded schools.

Veerpal kaur

Discipline, uniformity need of the hour

To provide better education to children, it is essential to have qualified teachers, modern technology, and smart classes.A part from this, the government wants to not only ease the burden of education on children, but also ensure that there is maximum activity in schools so that children can develop physically and mentally. If real improvements are made in these areas, the public will be drawn to government schools of their own accord. Every school should have smart boards, projectors, and computer labs, just like private schools, so that people can send as many of their children to government schools as possible. Surveillance systems like CCTV cameras, lady guards, entry-exit control. Discipline and uniformity are more in private schools, but sometimes attention is less in government schools, so the government should pay more attention to this. Many government schools lack cleanliness, functioning washrooms, and playgrounds. This deficiency needs to be addressed urgently.

PRABHJOT KAUR

Introduce career oriented curriculum

The state government claims to have upgraded government schools, yet many still struggle to meet required educational standards. To truly improve these institutions, quality teaching must be prioritised. Well-trained, motivated, and regularly assessed teachers can significantly enhance learning outcomes. Additionally, modern infrastructure, smart classrooms, well-equipped labs, clean washrooms, and sports facilities are essential for creating an encouraging learning environment. Another important step is to introduce skill-based learning and career-oriented subjects that prepare students for future opportunities. Regular parent-teacher meetings and feedback systems can help track students’ progress more effectively. To attract masses to state-funded schools, the government should build trust by ensuring transparency in school performance. Success stories, improved exam results, and achievements of students must be highlighted through awareness campaigns. Providing scholarships, free stationery, mid-day meals, and safe transport facilities can further encourage enrolment. With continuous monitoring and genuine commitment, state-funded schools can become the first choice for every child.

Harneet Waraich

Students suffer due to irregular courses

The state government often claims that our government schools have been “upgraded”, but ground reality tells a different story. Many classrooms still suffer from irregular teaching because teachers are frequently on official duties rather than with students. Practical labs exist mostly on paper, leaving children with theory but no real learning. Parents hesitate to send their children to these schools not because they dislike government institutions, but because they fear the quality of education their child may receive. If we truly want to attract the masses, improvement must begin with solving these real issues. Regular teaching, functioning labs, and accountability are essential. Once government schools start offering the same standard as private institutions, families will naturally choose them not just because they are affordable, but because they genuinely prepare children for the future.

Avleen Kaur

Teachers need to inspire kids

The state government says that many government schools have been upgraded in recent years. They claim that better classrooms, digital boards, and new furniture have improved education. But the question is, are these schools really giving education at the level students need? Many schools still face problems like poorly trained teachers, lack of proper teaching materials, and overcrowded classrooms. To attract more students, the government needs to do more than just provide buildings and furniture. Teachers should be well-trained and motivated. Schools should have libraries, laboratories, and proper sports facilities. Safety and cleanliness are also very important. If parents see that their children can get a good education in a government school, more families will prefer them over private schools. Upgrading schools is a good start, but real change comes when education quality improves and students feel inspired to learn.

Chamanpreet Kaur

Avoid overcrowding classrooms

The state government says it has improved government schools by adding better classrooms, smart boards, and free facilities for students. These upgrades are helpful, but the education in many government schools is still not fully up to the required standard. Some schools still do not have enough teachers, and sometimes the quality of teaching is not consistent. Because of this, many parents still prefer private schools. To attract more students to state-funded schools, the government needs to focus on good teaching. Teachers should receive proper training, classrooms should not be overcrowded, and there should be regular checking of students’ progress. Schools should offer more activities like sports, music, art, and computer classes so that children enjoy learning. Clean toilets, safe buildings, and a friendly environment also matter a lot. If government schools show good results and maintain discipline, more parents will trust them. With steady improvement, these schools can become a strong choice for all families.

Ramandeep kaur

Spend time on building critical thinking

Improving the quality of education in schools requires several important steps. Firstly, schools should appoint experienced and skilled teachers so that the teaching level can be upgraded and students receive better academic guidance. Along with regular studies, schools must also introduce extracurricular activities to help students discover new interests and develop confidence. The school environment should be well-organised, peaceful, and suitable for learning, as a disciplined atmosphere directly improves students’ focus. Regularity of both students and teachers should be monitored month-wise to ensure a consistent learning pattern. In addition, crucial skills like leadership, communication, collaboration, and creativity should be included in the curriculum, as these are essential for overall development. Teachers should also spend more time on building students’ character and problem-solving abilities. When schools combine academic excellence with skill development and strong values, they can truly upgrade their education system and prepare students for a successful future.

Navneet Singh

Focus on offering vocational course

The government has upgraded government schools, and there is no doubt that in terms of infrastructure, these schools have improved a lot. Classrooms are more hygienic, smart classes have been installed, and buildings have been repaired. So, in terms of infrastructure, the government has passed the test. But the main question is about education — the actual level of learning students are receiving.

Many government schools still don’t have enough teachers, and in some cases, the teachers present do not clear students’ doubts or are irregular. So, the first step should be to fill all teacher vacancies and conduct weekly classroom checks. Taking random feedback from students about their teachers’ methods can also help improve the quality of teaching. Another important step is to introduce vocational skills and subjects that provide practical knowledge, such as psychology, electronics, and mental health awareness. These subjects can help students understand the world better and prepare them for future careers. Upgrading buildings is a good beginning, but education improves only when teaching becomes sincere, practical, and student-friendly. If the government focuses on both infrastructure and meaningful learning, government schools can truly become places where every child grows with confidence and hope.

Japleen Kaur

Train teachers in interactive pedagogy

The state government claims to have upgraded government schools by adding smart classrooms, better buildings and various student facilities. These steps are appreciable, but the overall quality of education in many state-funded schools is still not at the expected standard. Several schools face issues such as shortage of trained teachers, irregular classes, outdated teaching methods and lack of discipline. To attract more students to these schools, the government must focus on strengthening the teaching process. Teachers should receive regular training so they can use modern and interactive teaching techniques. Schools should also provide a safe and clean environment, proper sports facilities and opportunities for co-curricular activities. Regular assessments and parent–teacher meetings can help track each child’s progress. Finally, promoting success stories and achievements of government schools through social media and community outreach can improve trust among parents. With consistent efforts, government schools can truly become centres of quality education.

AVNEET SANDHU

Issue explained

Though the state government claims to have improved the infrastructure in government schools to get more admissions, still there are a lot of discrepancies which need immediate attention. Teachers need to be given the best modem training which is activity based. The evaluation of students should be based on their regular performance. The vacancies of teachers need to be filled immediately to avoid students to suffer and teachers must not be asked to perform other duties than teaching — no surveys, no elections and the whole focus be on teaching to bring good results.

QUESTION for next week

December has arrived and as winter progresses, fog would soon engulf the city during late evenings and wee hours. What should be done to avoid fatal accidents in foggy weather conditions?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to ludhianadesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (December 4)