Could education in Punjab be the game-changer in creating young entrepreneurs? As stated in Times of India, Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains believes so and has sparked a revolutionary plan to prepare students for the world of startups and business ventures.
A New Educational Paradigm
In Ropar, during the inspiring Business Blasters Expo 2025, Minister Bains announced that the state government will start providing business and marketing skills to government school students in Classes XI and XII from the 2026-27 session. This initiative, under the Punjab Young Entrepreneurs Scheme, aims to transform students into job creators.
Nurturing Young Dreamers
With a vision to empower, the Expo saw 10 standout student-driven ventures showcase their ideas in a shark tank-style confrontation. These innovative young minds, drawn from government schools across Punjab, demonstrated their business brilliance and received financial backing to turn dreams into reality.
Investing in Innovation
The state’s commitment to student entrepreneurship is underscored by a hefty Rs 17 lakh investment in innovation labs. Here, students have the opportunity to collaborate with institutions like IITs to bring their product ideas to life.
Success Stories Blossoming
Minister Bains shared inspiring tales, like a girl from Mullanpur Dakha School. Despite financial constraints, she created decorative flower pots sold at up to 20 times their cost. Tales of young entrepreneurs buying and reselling goods via Instagram further highlight the transforming landscape.
Visionary Leaders Encourage Enterprise
Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sasodia lauded the scheme as a milestone. He emphasized that practical business experiences would equip students not just with skills, but also with real-world confidence and financial literacy. Reflecting on employment challenges in India, Sasodia praised Punjab’s approach as timely and essential.
A Lasting Impact
The Business Blasters program now mandates government school students to propose business ideas as part of their curriculum. This requirement doesn’t just offer academic fulfillment but also trains the next generation in entrepreneurship, potentially solving pressing employment challenges.
A Community of Support
The program is buoyed by generous support, with individuals like Rajya Sabha member Vikramjeet Sahni pledging financial aid and business leaders like Pramod Bhasin and Anuj Kundra offering expertise. The collaborative effort continues to infuse young minds with ambition and capability.
In a world of challenges, Punjab takes a historic step to redefine education, focusing on the entrepreneurial spirit. Through essential skills in marketing and business, the state is lighting a path that others might soon follow.
