In Punjab, the situation is really worrisome. Long years of neglect by governments have resulted in a situation where even the basic infrastructure is missing. If there are schools, there are no teachers. We have now undertaken a recruitment process and hope to fill up the vacancies soon.

The worst affected is this situation are the children from poor families. During all my four terms as Chief Minister of Punjab, it has been my constant endeavour to do something for their education. I started the Adarsh School scheme in one of my earlier terms, but this time, I have shifted my focus to make it relevant especially for the poor and the meritorious children. We have also decided to set up Adrash Schools in every Assembly constituency in the state.

Since the emphasis is on quality education, we have decided to involve the corporate sector in this endeavour of social commitment. A total of 117 such schools are to be set up, and the number will grow subsequently. Talented children from poor families would be provided access to the kind of quality education their luckier counterparts get in public schools, especially in the urban areas. No fees would be charged and children would also be provided all necessary facilities required for studies free of cost.

Besides the corporate sector, certain mainstream educational houses have also come forward to make a contribution. This is being done as an extension of the corporate social responsibility of the big business houses, and I am grateful to them for having responded to my call for the noble purpose.

... contd.