In an innovative move to ease academic pressure, the Punjab Government is planning to restructure classroom schedules by introducing short breaks within each 40-minute period. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced that students may soon study for 20 minutes, take a five-minute break, and then resume for another 20 minutes — keeping the total duration the same but allowing mental relaxation.
The decision was revealed during an appointment ceremony for 700 newly-recruited teachers at Chandigarh’s Tagore Theatre. Comparing the strategy to movie intervals, Mann said: “Just like a three-hour film has an intermission, students also need pauses to stay fresh and focused.” The initiative will first be tested in select schools before a potential statewide rollout.
The reform aims to prevent learning fatigue while maintaining instructional time. “We want education to be engaging, not overwhelming,” Mann emphasized. Alongside this change, the government continues its Mission Rozgar, having provided over 55,000 jobs in 36 months through transparent recruitment — none of which have faced legal challenges. “Our youth no longer need to look abroad for opportunities. They are now preparing for government jobs right here,” Mann said.
To address teacher shortages, 2,634 Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) recruits will join schools starting April, with 700 posted in Hoshiarpur district alone. Additionally, 1,158 professors have been hired to fill vacancies in colleges and universities.
At the same time, Mann reiterated AAP Government’s zero-tolerance stance against drugs and corruption. While those struggling with addiction will receive skill training and rehabilitation support, drug peddlers will face severe consequences, including property demolition. “We will show no mercy to those destroying Punjab’s youth,” he warned.
Mann exhorted the teachers to play a major role in ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ by making the students aware about the menace of drugs. Corruption remained another key target, with Mann vowing strict action against corrupt officials. “Every dishonest officer will be held accountable,” he asserted.
Highlighting past neglect, Mann noted how many schools had crumbling roofs and inadequate seating. His administration has since prioritized infrastructure upgrades, alongside launching ‘Sarkar Aapke Dwar’ (Government at Your Doorstep), where ministers and officials visit villages to resolve grievances.
As the son of a teacher himself, Mann cautioned against unnecessary leaves (furlough) and urged educators to maintain discipline. “Teachers shape the nation. They must inspire students to fight against drugs and focus on their future,” he said.
With PTMs (Parent-Teacher Meetings) now institutionalized, parents are actively engaging in their children’s education — a sign of Punjab’s evolving academic landscape.
