• Harjot Bains & Manish Sisodia Launch ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ Handbook and Felicitate Educators & Technical Partners
• Punjab’s Flagship Initiative to Bridge Skill Gap by Equipping Students for the Future, Says Manish Sisodia
CHANDIGARH, December 19:
Punjab Education Minister Harjoth Bains, along with AAP Punjab Incharge Manish Sisodia, today launched the ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ handbook and felicitated the educators, subject experts, and elite technical partners who collaboratively designed this industry-centric curriculum for the ambitious vocational education program “Hunar Sikhya School”. The program has been rolled out in 40 schools for the 2025-26 academic year to empower Grade XI and XII students with cutting-edge skills for high-growth and new-age careers.
During the event organised at MC Bhawan here today, Bains highlighted, “Our education system has long operated in silos, disconnected from industry demands. Our survey of 2.8 lakh students and national data reveal a stark reality: over 45% of students leave school unprepared for jobs, driven by poor skill education and challenging socio-economic backgrounds. Punjab’s initiative aims to bridge India’s skills gap and equip students for the future.”
Meanwhile, Bains and Sisodia interacted with teachers, subject experts, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on the pioneering “Hunar Sikhya School” program.
The Education Minister further informed that the ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ initiative revolutionises vocational training with a three-subject trade model in the senior secondary curriculum. It moves beyond traditional vocational training by embedding in-depth specialisation. Students can choose to specialise in one of four high-demand sectors, with curricula crafted and validated by global and industry leaders: Healthcare Sciences & Services – developed by Max Healthcare Institute; Digital Design & Development – created by IIT Delhi; Beauty & Wellness – designed by Orane International; and Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) – structured by LabourNet Services India Ltd.
This effort is further strengthened by foundational support from The Education Alliance and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation as technical partners, he said, adding that the program ensures holistic development by mandating professional skill subjects. Cambridge University Press & Assessment has developed a bespoke ‘Functional English and Communication’ curriculum to build essential workplace fluency. Additionally, courses in career foundation and digital literacy will equip students with financial, legal, and technological savvy.
Bains said that Punjab, ranked number one in school education, is revolutionising its education model by integrating industry exposure into classrooms. The ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ program will equip students with skills in AI, digital design, and future-focused domains, making them job-ready professionals from day one. The Punjab Government is providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, vocational labs, and internship pathways to ensure hands-on experience.
While addressing the gathering, Sisodia emphasised the need to shift focus from rote learning to practical skills, stating that practical knowledge and skill development should be the priority. Students should be able to explore opportunities in IT and other fields after Class X. The CM Mann-led government is creating an environment that fosters skilling at the school level, making ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ a key driver of employment.
Administrative Secretary School Education Anindita Mitra, Mission Director PSDM Amrit Singh, Member Punjab Development Commission Anurag Kundu, Additional Secretary School Education Kalpana K, Director Secondary Education Gurinder Singh Sodhi, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
