Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab government schools are set to receive a major digital infrastructure upgrade, with the Bhagwant Mann-led government announcing the installation of 16,180 additional desktop computers under its flagship Punjab Sikhiya Kranti program.
The second phase of the initiative will take the total number of desktop computers deployed across government schools to 56,183. Earlier this year, the government had installed 40,003 desktop computers at an investment of approximately ₹396 crore.
According to the programme details, the delivery and installation of computers under the second phase will take place between November 2 and December 1, 2026. Computer laboratories will be established in 2,004 additional government schools, adding to the 5,064 schools already covered in the first phase.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every child, regardless of their social or economic background, deserves access to quality education and modern learning opportunities.
"Every child, regardless of their background, deserves access to quality education and the opportunities that come with it. Through Punjab Sikhiya Kranti, we are transforming government schools and bringing modern technology into classrooms at an unprecedented scale. Our vision is clear: to ensure that every child in Punjab has the tools, confidence and opportunities to build a better future," Mann said.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the initiative was changing not only the infrastructure of government schools but also the learning opportunities available to students.
He said that with Interactive Flat Panels delivered in the first phase and the next phase of desktop computer deployment underway, the government was bringing technology closer to students and teachers across Punjab.
Bains added that the objective was to make classrooms more engaging, improve the learning experience and establish government schools as a source of pride for the people of the state.
8,268 Interactive Flat Panels Delivered Across 3,694 Schools
Apart from the desktop computer rollout, the Punjab Government has also delivered 8,268 Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs) across 3,694 government schools under the first phase.
The interactive panels are designed to bring technology-enabled teaching into classrooms, allowing teachers to use multimedia resources, digital educational content and real-time demonstrations during lessons.
The introduction of these facilities is expected to make classroom teaching more interactive and help students understand concepts through digital learning tools.
Focus on Equal Access to Digital Education
The computer expansion is part of the wider reforms being implemented under Punjab Sikhiya Kranti, which aims to strengthen foundational learning, upgrade school infrastructure and improve educational outcomes.
The programme also focuses on ensuring equitable access to digital education, alongside transparent monitoring, accountability and safe installation procedures for effective utilisation of public resources.
With the second phase of computer installations and the introduction of interactive teaching facilities, the state government aims to equip students with essential digital skills and familiarise them with modern technology.
The initiative is expected to provide government school students with greater exposure to digital learning, helping prepare them for higher education, future employment opportunities and the growing demands of a technology-driven world.
