Education key to equality, says Bains at Ambedkar event

Nangal: Punjab minister for school education Harjot Singh Bains on Monday said his focus was on ensuring quality education reaches every section of society, as he addressed the Sikhya Sankalp Samagam at the School of Eminence here to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr B R Ambedkar.Recalling Ambedkar's contributions, Bains said equality and the right to education were among his most enduring legacies.The minister said the Punjab govt was bringing transformative changes in the education sector, with visible improvements in govt schools. He said admissions in govt schools were rising, with institutions now receiving recommendations, and students performing well in competitive exams such as JEE and NEET. "With proper guidance and opportunities, every student can achieve great heights," he said.Bains said the event was not political but aimed at promoting Ambedkar's ideals of equality through education. High-performing students were honoured on the occasion, he added, noting that such recognition would inspire others."Education is the most powerful tool for social change," he said.On the occasion, the minister announced grants for various villages and institutions, including Rs 5 lakh for Chandeser, Rs 10 lakh for Beekapur Lower, Rs 10 lakh for Basowal SC Dharamshala, Rs 5 lakh for Lodhipur Bas Barotu, Rs 5 lakh for Kutiya Baba Jamna Dass Ajauli Brahmpur, Rs 5 lakh for Dadhi, Rs 5 lakh for Miyapur Handur, Rs 5 lakh for Awanakot Lower, and Rs 1 lakh under the Dr B R Ambedkar grant for Dr B R Ambedkar Sewa Society, Sri Anandpur Sahib.He said the financial assistance would help strengthen local infrastructure and development.