Apart from these schools, the Government has also taken up the task of upgrading at least three existing schools in every constituency. This would mean that a total of 351 schools would be upgraded and provided with every requisite facility, such as science laboratories, sports infrastructure etc. Learning of English language would also be accorded high priority.

Despite these efforts, I would admit that a much more comprehensive and larger initiative is called for to lift school education from its present state of paralysis, especially in the villages. The Government, on its part, will not spare any effort in pushing the programme for educational transformation of the state. But for a truly educated and forward looking society, capable of taking on the challenges of the modern day globalised environment, we need to go beyond the Government and turn education into the central component of our social commitment. We need to start a war against illiteracy among the poor.

In absence of that, all our development plans and schemes for socio-economic progress would come to a naught. Education is the basic requisite for survival. Everyone who loves Punjab and the country must do his bit to promote education. Sponsor a poor child, give voluntary hours for education of poor, spread awareness about the dangers of a dark and uneducated generation — any contribution in any direction would be a sacred offering at the altar of godliness. Vidiya vichaari, ta par upkari.