- Flagship initiative to empower 3 lakh students in Grades 9–12 across 500 government schools in Punjab: Harjot Singh Bains
- ‘The English Edge – Learn Smart, Speak Sharp’ aims to foster independent thinking and confident communication in all aspects of life: Manish Sisodia
Chandigarh/Amritsar, October 28
In a transformative step to shape the future of Punjab’s youth, Education Minister Harjot Bains and Aam Aadmi Party (Punjab Incharge) Manish Sisodia today launched The English Edge – Learn Smart, Speak Sharp, a flagship program to equip government school students with world-class English communication skills.
Speaking at the launch event held at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, S. Bains announced that the program has been rolled out to benefit 3 lakh students in Grades 9–12 across 500 government schools. It focuses on building confident speaking, reading, and critical thinking skills in English, while enhancing employability and global market access.
Hailing it as a key milestone under the Punjab Sikhya Kranti—a mission to revolutionise the state’s education system—S. Bains explained that the program blends in-school digital reading lessons with home-based speaking practice. Through guided reading, pronunciation support, and daily 10-minute sessions, it aims to improve comprehension and fluency, making English learning engaging, inclusive, and practical via classroom-digital integration.
Implemented by the Punjab School Education Department in partnership with global EdTech firm EnglishHelper—which has successfully boosted English proficiency in multiple Indian states—the initiative underscores the vital role of English as a gateway to global opportunities, even as mother tongue remains foundational.
Bains highlighted that The English Edge complements ongoing reforms like the Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum, Drug De-Addiction Curriculum, and Business Blasters Program, turning classrooms into centres of creativity, communication, and critical thinking. “Punjab’s students are full of talent and potential. This program will enable every child, irrespective of background, to express themselves confidently in English. It’s not just about language—it’s about unlocking Punjab’s future. Under Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s visionary leadership, we’re ensuring government school students compete on the global stage with equal confidence and competence,” he stated.
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Praising the initiative, Sisodia said the tagline “Learn Smart, Speak Sharp” perfectly captures its vision: helping students adapt to a changing world, think independently, and communicate effectively across all spheres. “This launch reflects Punjab’s commitment to holistic education reform. By empowering youth with language proficiency, the state is investing in its greatest asset—its children. The program will open doors to higher education and global jobs, ensuring Punjab’s talent shines worldwide,” he added.
The initiative emphasises a holistic approach, shifting from rote learning to nurturing critical thinking, articulate expression, and real-world communication skills.
