Marked progress in Punjab but only 1 party MLA sends own kids to govt school

AAP 'Education Reform' in Punjab: Marked Progress but Only 1 Party MLA Sends Own Kids to Govt School

Punjab's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has been working towards transforming government schools into institutions for 'quality learning' through its 'Sikhya Kranti' initiative. However, an investigation by The Indian Express reveals that despite significant progress in learning levels, only one AAP MLA has sent their children to a government school, while the rest have opted for private institutions.

Learning Parameters Improve, But System Remains Forbidding

Punjab has shown marked improvement in learning levels, performing better than the national average in almost all parameters. However, the investigation shows that the party's own leadership may not be confident enough to deeply invest in the system when it comes to their own children.

AAP MLAs' Children in Private Schools

Of the 31 AAP MLAs with school-going children, including six state ministers, only one - Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana (Maur, Bathinda) - has his children studying in a state government school in the 2025-26 academic session. Almost all the remaining 30 have sent their children either to premier private schools in India or institutions abroad.

Disconnect Between Public Posturing and Personal Choice

The stark numbers frame the challenge for a party that has made education a key governance plank. They also affirm the disconnect of the lawmakers - evident in the absence of their stakes - with the system they promised to shape or reform.

Conclusion

The investigation highlights the need for the AAP government to address the disconnect between public posturing and personal choice when it comes to education. By doing so, they can ensure that their policies are not just rhetoric, but also reflect the values they preach.