7 hrs ago
Punjab PTM Video Orders Spark Opposition-AAP Political Row
Punjab held meetings where parents and teachers talked about how students were doing in school.
Reports said schools were also asked to record mothers talking about a government welfare scheme and post at least 10 videos each.
Opposition politicians said this turned schools into places for political publicity.
AAP leader Manish Sisodia said the meetings helped parents discuss their children’s learning.
A Punjab health minister denied that the government had ordered schools to record the videos.
The minister said the government was sharing information about welfare schemes so eligible people could learn about them.
At schools in Moga, teachers discussed students’ progress and ways they could improve.
Some students who did well received certificates.
Reported SCERT instructions asked schools to collect mothers’ feedback on the Mawan Dhiyan scheme and upload at least 10 videos per school.
Opposition leaders accused the AAP government of using teachers and school platforms for political publicity instead of focusing on education.
AAP leader Manish Sisodia defended the PTMs, arguing that parents’ discussions with teachers about students’ progress were valuable.
A Punjab health minister denied that the government had issued an order directing schools to record parent videos, and said welfare schemes were being publicised to inform eligible people.
Mega PTMs were held across Punjab to discuss students’ academic performance; in Moga, parents of 827 students at one school received progress updates.
- Who
- Punjab’s AAP government, the opposition parties and leaders, teachers, and parents.
- What
- Reported instructions to record mothers’ comments about a government welfare scheme during Mega PTMs prompted accusations of political publicity; the government’s broader purpose for the meetings was to discuss students’ progress.
- Where
- Across Punjab, with reported examples in Mohali and Moga.
- When
- The reported instructions were issued on Thursday; Mega PTMs were being held across Punjab.
- Why
- The government said the PTMs were intended to improve coordination between parents and teachers and discuss academic performance; it said welfare information was shared to inform eligible beneficiaries.
Opposition criticism
AAP and government response
Use of school platforms
Opposition criticism
Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal leaders alleged that teachers and school social media pages were being used to promote the government and its welfare scheme.
AAP and government response
Manish Sisodia defended the PTMs as opportunities for parents and teachers to discuss students’ education. A Punjab health minister denied that the government had ordered schools to record parent videos.
Purpose of the meetings
Opposition criticism
Opposition leaders said the reported video requests distracted from academic priorities and characterized the meetings as a publicity exercise.
AAP and government response
The government described the wider PTM initiative as a way to improve parent-teacher coordination and discuss students’ academic performance; the health minister said mass communication could inform eligible people about welfare schemes.
Key facts
- Scheme mentioned
- Mukhyamantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana
- Reported instruction
- Schools were reportedly asked to collect mothers’ views and experiences about the scheme.
- Reported video quota
- At least 10 videos per school were reportedly requested for upload on school social media pages.
- Reported issuing body
- Punjab State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT)
- Reported Mohali locations
- School of Eminence in Phase 3B1 and PM Shri Government High School in Nayagaon
- Moga school meeting
- Bhim Nagar Senior Secondary School briefed parents of 827 students.
- Government response
- A Punjab health minister denied that the government had issued a notice directing schools to record parent videos.
Quotes
Sukhpal Singh Khaira
Congress leader who criticized the reported use of school platforms.
“The mega PTM being organised by the AAP government in Punjab is yet another publicity gimmick. It raises serious questions about the priorities of the AAP government. When teachers are reportedly being asked to promote government schemes, record beneficiary testimonials, and facilitate the presence of MLAs, the focus shifts away from what truly matters.”
NDTV
“Today, when parents in Punjab's government schools sit with teachers to discuss their children's education, strengths, and weaknesses, you dismiss it as a 'publicity stunt.' Try asking these parents just how much this means to them.”
NDTV
Sources
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