The budget introduces several new initiatives, including the transformation of 100 government senior secondary schools into ‘Schools of Brilliance’ and 100 primary government schools into ‘Schools of Happiness’
Harpal Singh Cheema, the Finance Minister of Punjab, unveiled the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25 on 5th February. A notable highlight was the AAP-led government's proposal to upgrade 100 government senior secondary schools to high-quality educational institutions termed 'schools of brilliance'.
The budget introduces several new initiatives, including the transformation of 100 government senior secondary schools into ‘Schools of Brilliance’ and 100 primary government schools into ‘Schools of Happiness’. Cheema assured no new taxes would be imposed and estimated total revenue receipts for 2024-25 to be Rs 1,03,936 crore, with Rs 58,900 crore from its own tax revenue. Additionally, the state anticipates Rs 22,041 crore as its share of central taxes and Rs 11,748 crore as grants-in-aid from the Centre.
The finance minister allocated Rs 16,987 crore for the education sector, constituting approximately 11.5% of the total projected expenditure.
Cheema outlined plans to convert 118 government schools into state-of-the-art ‘Schools of Eminence,’ with 14 already operational. Rs 100 crore has been allocated for this initiative in the upcoming fiscal year. He also detailed the ‘Schools of Brilliance’ program, aiming to enhance education quality and transform rural schools into learning centers for grades 6 to 12, with an initial Rs 10 crore earmarked for this purpose.
Furthermore, Cheema mentioned the intention to convert 100 primary government schools into ‘Schools of Happiness,’ focusing on well-ventilated classrooms, dedicated play areas, resource rooms, and activity corners, with a Rs 10 crore budget allocated for this initiative in fiscal year 2025.
