SANGRUR (Punjab) – After Punjab claimed the top spot in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal hailed the landmark achievement as a “revolution in education”, crediting government school teachers and principals for transforming the state’s academic landscape.
Speaking at a state-level celebration in Sangrur on Sunday, Kejriwal lauded the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government and emphasized that the transformation is only just beginning.
“We have three major missions: to eliminate drugs, deliver world-class education, and ensure jobs for every youth in Punjab,” said Kejriwal, addressing teachers, ministers, and top officials gathered for the event.
From Protest to Progress
Recalling Punjab’s education crisis before AAP came to power, Kejriwal described teachers protesting atop water towers during his campaign trail in 2022.
“Back then, teachers were climbing towers for their rights. Today, those same teachers are sitting face-to-face with the Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers. This is unprecedented. This is transformation.”
Punjab Rises from Rank 29 to Rank 1
Kejriwal revealed that Punjab ranked 29th in the NAS before AAP’s victory in 2022. Today, it stands at number one nationally—a feat he attributes to “the hard work and passion of teachers”.
“We didn’t bring in teachers from the moon,” he quipped. “The same teachers, when respected and supported, delivered miracles.”
Infrastructure, Training & Dignity
The AAP leader detailed initiatives taken by the Mann government that empowered teachers, including:
- Training at IIMs and abroad
- Infrastructure upgrades in schools
- Increased education funding
- Merit-based incentives and recognition
“It was never about the teachers being lazy—it was about giving them the system they deserved,” Kejriwal said, challenging decades-old stereotypes about government educators.
‘A Revolution Has Begun’
Describing the new confidence in Punjab’s government school students, Kejriwal noted that visible progress is being made in both education and anti-drug efforts.
“This direct interaction between teachers and government never happened under Congress, BJP, or Akali Dal. AAP has given teachers the respect and voice they were always denied,” he said to applause.
The Road Ahead
Kejriwal reiterated that education is the bedrock of the AAP model, and Punjab’s achievement shows what is possible when teachers are empowered and governments are accountable.
“This is not the end, it’s just the beginning. If we can reform education, we can reform everything,” he concluded.
FAQs
What is NAS 2024?
The National Achievement Survey (NAS) is a nationwide assessment conducted by the Ministry of Education to evaluate student learning outcomes in government schools.
What rank did Punjab achieve?
Punjab ranked No. 1 in the NAS 2024, rising from the 29th position in 2017.
What role did teachers play?
Teachers and principals in government schools were credited with driving the turnaround through hard work, training, and innovation, once supported by a pro-education government.
What are AAP’s education goals in Punjab?
Eliminate drugs, provide world-class education, and guarantee youth employment.
How is this different from previous governments?
According to Kejriwal, no past government allowed direct interaction between teachers and ministers, nor provided the resources or respect needed for meaningful reform.
This performance is being hailed as a case study in grassroots transformation, as Punjab emerges not just as a national leader in education—but as a model for what empowered public servants can achieve.