Three Key Goals of AAP in Punjab: End Drugs, Improve Education & Guarantee Jobs : Kejriwal

National News: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government organized a state-level function in Sangrur on Sunday to celebrate Punjab securing first place in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024. AAP National Convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, who was the chief guest, credited this achievement to the hard work of teachers and principals.

Kejriwal stated that the AAP government has three major goals in Punjab:

• Eradicate drug addiction and prevent children from falling into its trap again.
• Provide high-quality education to every child.
• Ensure employment for all children.

He emphasized that previous governments failed to provide a supportive environment, but once AAP created that environment, teachers worked miracles and made Punjab number one in education. He said, “The students of government schools have gained tremendous confidence. Now people are saying that work is truly being done against drug addiction, and there’s a revolution in education.”

Face-to-Face with Teachers: A New Culture

Recalling the situation before 2022, Kejriwal said that under the previous Congress and Akali governments, teachers had to sit on dharnas or climb water tanks to raise their demands. He said, “Those who should have been building children's futures in classrooms were forced to protest. Today, they are holding discussions with the CM and ministers, which is no less than a revolution.”

He further stated that the AAP government did not change the teachers but changed the system and environment. Teachers who were once dismissed as “useless” are now producing outstanding results—850 students cleared NEET, 250 qualified for JEE Mains, and 44 cleared JEE Advanced.

Creating Confidence through Infrastructure and Training

Kejriwal praised the work done on school infrastructure, including cleanliness, boundary walls, drinking water, and international training programs for teachers. The Business Blasters program is helping students think of startup ideas. He shared a touching story of a student in Delhi who once said, “Private school kids are the future of the country.” But after three years of transformation, that same student said, “Now I feel I too am the future of India.”

Tackling Drug Addiction and Joblessness Head-On

Kejriwal highlighted the government's strict stance against drug smuggling, claiming that 17,000–18,000 smugglers have been jailed, and even top ministers are not being spared. Bulldozers are being used to demolish the homes of smugglers.

He urged schools to take collective responsibility to ensure that no child gets addicted to drugs. Teachers must help children who fall into addiction. Further, he emphasized the need for practical, employment-oriented education, saying, “There is no point in an education system where a student is left unemployed despite a degree.”

The Business Blasters program will help students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, to start earning even if they do not pursue education beyond class 12.

Bhagwant Mann: Every Step is for Common Man’s Welfare

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said Punjab was in 29th place in NAS 2017, and now it is number one—thanks to the relentless efforts of teachers. He emphasized the importance of cultural heritage, skill development, and staying connected to roots for overall development.

He added that 54,000 jobs have already been provided on merit, and parent-teacher meetings (PTMs)—once a private school practice—are now a regular feature in government schools.

Manish Sisodia: Teachers are the Real Pilots of the Nation

Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia said that this success isn’t just about NAS rankings—it's about the growing confidence in children’s eyes. He praised teachers for narrowing the gap between toppers and struggling students, saying, “True success is when the 100th child comes closer to the first.”

He concluded that education should lift every child, not just produce a few toppers. This, he said, is what makes Punjab truly number one.

Tribute to Late AAP MLA Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal

Earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal attended the bhog and final ardaas for late AAP MLA Dr. Kashmir Singh Sohal, calling his demise a big loss for the party and state. CM Bhagwant Mann, ministers, and dignitaries were present to offer condolences.

Kejriwal described Sohal as a dedicated social worker and honest leader who continued serving the public despite his illness. Mann added that Dr. Sohal was not just a person but an institution and vowed to fulfill all the dreams he had envisioned for Tarn Taran.