Punjab government to launch SMS alerts for student absenteeism

The Punjab government has announced plans to introduce an SMS-based alert system to inform parents about student absenteeism, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability and improving student attendance in government schools.

The announcement was made by Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains while divulging the purpose of holding statewide mega Parent-Teacher Meeting (PTM) organized across all government primary, middle, high, and senior secondary schools.

The event saw the participation of over 18 lakh parents in a single day, marking one of the largest school-community engagement exercises in the country.

The mega PTM was organised as a part of the “Punjab Sikhya Kranti” initiative.

Schools provided parents with comprehensive feedback on their children’s academic progress, behaviour and overall development. Educational exhibitions showcasing student work were organised, while special attention was also given to adolescent health awareness, including information on HPV vaccination for girls.

Bains said the proposed Students Absent Alert SMS System would notify parents immediately if their child is absent from school. “The SMS alerts will promote accountability among students, parents, and schools. This measure is expected to improve regular attendance and help curb early dropouts, thereby strengthening the public education system,” he said.