In a new directive ahead of the launch of the ‘Punjab Sikhya Kranti‘ (Revolution in Education) campaign, the AAP government has asked all school teachers in the state to set a designated graphic featuring Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s photo as their WhatsApp display pictures. Teachers were also advised to make their social media accounts official and actively post photos and videos related to the campaign, using the hashtag #PunjabSikhyaKranti.
The initiative, which includes a large-scale ribbon-cutting drive to inaugurate upgraded school infrastructure, is set to begin on Monday. Teachers were advised to create accounts on X and participate in the campaign.
The move aims to showcase the state’s education reforms and amplify their reach through digital platforms, for which WhatsApp messages from higher authorities to lower level have been circulated and SoPs for the campaign have been issued.
The move has been objected by the Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) Punjab, with its chief Vikram Dev Singh asserting that the move was an attempt to utilise teachers as a “publicity tool for AAP”.
It condemned the Punjab government’s decision to involve teachers and school heads in promoting inauguration ceremonies on different social media platforms.
The teachers’ union also condemned the move to involve ministers, MLAs, MPs and other elected representatives in the inauguration of government buildings in schools. “This move is an attempt to increase political interference in schools and disrupt the academic environment,” Singh told India Today TV.
He warned that the move could have a negative impact on the education of children in Punjab.
“It will promote VIP culture and politicise the educational environment in schools. The government’s initiative has turned school principals and heads into ‘event managers’,” he said.
Singh suggested that funds should be allocated for school welfare, instead of “spending on such events”.
