In a groundbreaking initiative to uplift public education and bridge the gap between ambition and opportunity, the Punjab government is set to launch its School Mentorship Programme on Tuesday. Under this programme, 80 senior IAS, IPS, PCS, and PPS officers will formally adopt government schools across the state to provide consistent mentorship and career guidance to students.
Education Secretary Anindita Mitra confirmed that all 80 officers have received official letters of engagement, signalling the start of what is envisioned as a long-term, transformative commitment to educational reform.
“The programme is designed to inspire and empower students in government schools by connecting them with senior officers who can serve as mentors and role models,” said Mitra. “Officers are expected to build sustained relationships with their adopted schools, ideally over a period of at least five years.”
Mentors are expected to visit their designated schools at least once a month, with additional engagement via digital platforms. Importantly, the mentorship role is strictly non-administrative, focusing on offering strategic support, motivation, and constructive feedback, without interfering in daily school management.
Key Officers and Their Adopted Schools:
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Jyoti Yadav, SSP Khanna and wife of Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, has adopted the School of Eminence, Nangal in Roopnagar, their home district.
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Himanshu Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, will mentor the School of Eminence, Dholewal, Ludhiana.
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Sakshi Sawhney, Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar, has adopted the School of Eminence, Khanna.
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Ajay Gandhi, SSP Moga, will mentor the School of Eminence, Landeke, Moga district.
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Kamal Kishor Yadav, former Education Secretary, has taken on mentorship of the School of Eminence, Nakodar.
The initiative aims to cultivate a culture of aspiration, achievement, and excellence in Punjab’s government schools by facilitating meaningful interactions between students and high-ranking officers.
All mentorship-related activities will be officially recognized as part of the officers’ professional responsibilities, further embedding the programme within the governance framework.
With the official launch slated for Tuesday, the School Mentorship Programme marks a bold and promising step toward unlocking the potential of thousands of students across Punjab, setting a new benchmark for how civil servants can contribute to nation-building beyond administrative duties.
