Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday asserted his government’s commitment to improve the level and quality of education in government schools for the benefit of the underprivileged

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday asserted his government’s commitment to improve the level and quality of education in government schools for the benefit of the underprivileged.

Speaking at the Lakshya institute’s Achievers Day 2017 award presentation function, the Chief Minister lamented the declining standards of government schools and said his government was striving to enhance the same.

Captain Amarinder presented the coveted trophy Young Achievers Award (IIT-JEE Advanced 2017) to Sarvesh Mehthani, who ranked first in IIT-JEE examination. The student also received a cheque of Rs. 25 lakhs from Lakshya. Awards and cheques were also presented to other successful students on the occasion. The Chief Minister said the institute’s decision to present cash rewards was a good way of giving back to the society.

Reiterating his government’s commitment to uplift the underprivileged, especially in the field of education and health, Captain Amarinder pointed out that former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was government school alumni but went on to become a world-renowned economist. It was the quality of education that made the difference, he said.

Congratulating the successful students, and the Lakshya teachers who made their success possible, the Chief Minister said teachers’ contribution to the development of youngsters could not be undermined. He assured the institute of all help to carry its mission forward.

Reminiscencing about his school days, the Chief Minister said he still remembered the teachers who taught him in school and even at the NDA.

Though the education system was changing fast across the world and one could not predict where things would be 25 years from now, the foundation built would help them through their lives, Captain Amarinder told the students.

The Chief Minister said he felt honoured to shake hands with the youngsters who had made the state proud of their achievements.

Prominent amongst others from the Lakshya institute included; Chief Executive Director Lakshya Sahil Harjai, Heads of the Departments Chemistry Harpreet Saluja, Biology DR Roohani, Physics Harisharan Luthra, Maths Rishi Singla, Junior wing Ravjot Singh besides Principal Brilliance School Dr. Sashi Banerjee, Principal Govt. Model School 45 Rajiv Garg, Coordinator St. John's School Mrs. Vandana, Principal DAV School Ropar Jaipal, Vice Principal St. Xavier School Mohali Mrs. Rashmi, Director St. Soldier's School Panchkula Ms. Neera Singh and CMD MT Educare Mahesh Shetty.