Punjab’s much-publicised education revolution has come under scrutiny after Aam Aadmi Party MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana publicly raised concerns about teacher shortages in government schools in his Maur constituency.
Maiserkhana, who represents the Maur Assembly constituency in Bathinda, said he had repeatedly sought action on vacant teaching posts. He also highlighted staffing concerns at a government School of Eminence attended by his son. The MLA later faced suspension from the AAP for what the party described as “anti-party activities and indiscipline.”
The episode has renewed questions about the gap between Punjab’s education initiatives and conditions reported at individual schools. The state’s School of Eminence programme aims to transform selected government schools with improved infrastructure and quality education, particularly for students in Classes 9 to 12.
However, the Punjab government has disputed Maiserkhana’s claims. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the allegations as politically motivated and said more than 90% of teacher posts in the MLA’s constituency were filled. He also said the School of Eminence in Ramnagar had 25 teachers against a sanctioned strength of 30 for around 580 students.
The controversy has also drawn criticism from opposition parties, which have used the incident to question the government’s education record.
The dispute highlights a broader challenge for education reform: infrastructure and new programmes can improve access, but adequate staffing remains essential for reforms to translate into classroom outcomes.
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