Daughters lead Punjab’s ‘Sikhya Kranti’, bag 19 of top-20 PSEB Class 8 ranks: CM Mann

Chandigarh:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared on Sunday that the state's 'Sikhya Kranti' initiative is yielding tangible results, with daughters from modest backgrounds claiming 19 of the top 20 spots in the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) Class 8 merit list. At a ceremony honouring the toppers at his Chandigarh residence, Mann announced direct admission for these top 20 students into Schools of Eminence, bypassing entrance tests—a move underscoring the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's resolve to nurture merit and broaden access to elite education.

Mann presented cash prizes of ₹50,000 each to the top three achievers, advising them to stay humble, select worthy role models, and embrace hard work. He positioned Punjab's revamped government schools as a national exemplar in education reform, crediting sustained investments for fostering the confidence, discipline, and resolve evident in these young students. "The Punjab government stands committed to fuelling every child's ambitions through cutting-edge schools, superior teaching, and supportive ecosystems," he emphasised.

In a post on X, Mann shared highlights from the event: “Today, in Chandigarh, meritorious students who topped the results of the Punjab School Education Board's Class 8th across the entire state were honored. On this special occasion, heartfelt congratulations were also extended to their parents and teachers.”

He spotlighted the backgrounds of the leaders: “In this year's results, the first position has been secured by the talented daughter of a munim working at a brick kiln, while the second and third positions have been achieved with outstanding success by the daughters of a tiles shop owner and a teacher at a government primary school, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate that children from ordinary and humble families are now setting new benchmarks in the field of education. Seeing the self-confidence, hard work, and dedication of these children filled us with immense joy and pride.”

The post wrapped up: “Our government is fully committed to giving wings to the dreams of children and helping them reach the heights of success in life. We are continuously striving to provide quality education, modern schools, and an inspiring environment.”

Mann hailed the girls' sweep—19 of 20 top ranks, with one boy at 20th—as a milestone of female empowerment. “These students will be granted admission to Class 9 in Schools of Eminence without any entrance examination. For the first time, girls have secured 19 out of the top 20 positions, with only one boy at the 20th rank. By achieving all the first 19 positions, girls have once again proven that they are second to none in any field,” he stated.

With 2.62 lakh students sitting for PSEB's Class 8 exams this year, Mann stressed merit-based exemptions: “These top 20 students have already demonstrated their merit. Students securing top positions have proven their capability and will therefore be given admission under a special quota in Schools of Eminence based on merit, without any entrance test.”

Extending congratulations to students, parents, and teachers, he said: “This is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction for everyone. Along with the hard work of the students, the contribution of parents and teachers who guided them is equally commendable. It is a historic day as top-performing students from across the state have gathered together.”

“It is a privilege for the state government to honour such young achievers—an essential step in instilling confidence, as they are tomorrow's leaders. You must carefully choose your role models in your chosen fields to achieve success in life,” Mann added.

Urging persistence in humility and effort, he noted: “The Punjab government is working tirelessly to provide quality education at the school level and has initiated an education revolution in Punjab, helping bridge socio-economic gaps and transform students’ lives.”

Prioritising education, Mann highlighted infrastructure upgrades: “Punjab has emerged as a role model across the country, especially in the sector of education. Punjabis have always been leaders and have remained at the forefront in every sphere.”

Tamanna from Saraswati Senior Secondary School, Jaito (Faridkot), topped with a flawless 600/600; Japneet Kaur from Government Middle School, Arkawas (Sangrur), took second with 598; and Jashandeep Kaur from Sant Mohan Das Memorial Senior Secondary School, Kot Sukhia (Faridkot), matched 598 for third. All three double as state- and national-level athletes, Mann observed proudly.

The toppers, from humble origins, voiced ambitions rooted in diligence and government backing during their meeting with Mann.

PSEB Chairman Dr. Amarpal Singh, School Education Secretary Sonali Giri, and other officials attended.