Chandigarh-Another protest in Punjab has raised fresh questions about the Bhagwant Mann-led government’s claims of a “Sikhya Kranti” in the state. This voice was raised by well-known author Dr Navneet Kaur in her recent tweet. She said that teachers, described by the government as an important part of its education reforms, have taken to the streets to protest against their grievances. Their message is clear: if everything is going so well in Punjab’s education sector, why are teachers still being forced to protest?
The protest also saw demonstrators raising slogans of “Punjab Sarkar Murdabad”. The police response has drawn sharp criticism, with videos and visuals showing women and men being dragged along the road as they were allegedly prevented from continuing their protest.
The treatment of the protesters has raised serious concerns about the government’s approach to dissent. Teachers demanding that their voices be heard were not merely stopped; they were physically removed from the protest site, creating an image that stands in stark contrast to the government’s claims of good governance and public-friendly administration.
Dr Navneet Kaur has questioned the government’s narrative, asking how Punjab can be presented as a model of educational progress when teachers themselves are protesting on the streets. The “Sikhya Kranti” slogan, she argues, cannot be judged only through announcements, publicity campaigns or new initiatives. It must also be measured by the working conditions, job security, salaries, pending demands and dignity of teachers.
The protest has also highlighted the widening gap between official claims and the experience of people on the ground. The government frequently speaks of transformation in schools and education, but teachers continue to raise concerns that require immediate attention.
The use of force against protesting teachers has made the situation even more politically sensitive. Peaceful protests are a democratic right, and the sight of police personnel dragging women and men on the road is bound to raise questions about whether the government is willing to listen to criticism.
The slogans of “Punjab Sarkar Murdabad” may be uncomfortable for those in power, but they are also a form of political expression. A government confident in its performance should be prepared to answer the protesters rather than silence them through force.
The incident has now created an uncomfortable question for the Mann government: if Punjab is witnessing such a major “Sikhya Kranti”, why are its teachers unhappy enough to protest, and why are they being treated as a law-and-order problem?
For many Punjabis, the episode has become another example of the government’s “sab changa si” version of Punjab—where everything is claimed to be fine in official statements, while employees, teachers and ordinary citizens continue to take to the streets to demand their rights.
The larger issue is not only the teachers’ protest. It is about accountability, democratic space and the credibility of the government’s education claims. A real education revolution would ensure that teachers are heard, respected and supported not dragged on the roads for raising their voices.