Mentorship with Purpose, Not Power: Officers to Provide Strategic Guidance Without Interfering in School Administration
In a landmark initiative aimed at elevating public education, the Punjab government is set to roll out its School Mentorship Programme on Tuesday. The programme will see 80 senior officers—including those from the IAS, IPS, PCS, and PPS—formally adopting government schools to mentor students, offer career guidance, and serve as role models.
The initiative is designed to inspire students by fostering direct and sustained interaction with accomplished civil servants, without disrupting the daily functioning of schools. The mentorship role is strictly non-administrative, focusing on strategic support, motivational engagement, and constructive feedback.
“The goal is to connect students with real-life achievers who can guide them and broaden their horizons,” said Education Secretary Anindita Mitra, confirming that official appointment letters have been issued to all 80 officers. “We are encouraging officers to maintain long-term relationships with their adopted schools—ideally, for at least five years.”
Under the programme, mentors are expected to visit their designated schools at least once a month. Regular engagement through phone, video calls, or other virtual means is also encouraged to ensure continuous support.
Key Officers and Their Adopted Schools
Jyoti Yadav, SSP Khanna and spouse of Education Minister Harjot Bains, has adopted the School of Eminence, Nangal in their native Roopnagar district.
Himanshu Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, will mentor the School of Eminence, Dholewal, Ludhiana.
Sakshi Sawhney, Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, has adopted the School of Eminence, Khanna.
Ajay Gandhi, SSP Moga, will mentor the School of Eminence, Landeke, in Moga district.
Kamal Kishor Yadav, former Education Secretary, has committed to mentoring the School of Eminence, Nakodar.
Transforming School Culture Through Mentorship
The School Mentorship Programme aims to cultivate a “culture of aspiration, achievement, and high performance” in Punjab’s public schools. By providing students with guidance from distinguished public servants, the government hopes to encourage goal-setting, self-belief, and informed career choices.
Significantly, all mentorship responsibilities are recognized as part of the officers’ official duties, reinforcing the programme’s institutional importance and sustainability.
Set to launch officially on Tuesday, this initiative is being hailed as a bold step towards unlocking the potential of thousands of students and redefining the role of civil servants in societal development.
