New system will notify parents about absenteeism, aiming to boost attendance and accountability in government schools
The Punjab government will roll out an SMS alert system from April 1 to track student and teacher absenteeism across all government schools, in a move aimed at improving attendance and strengthening accountability.
The initiative will ensure that parents receive an SMS whenever their child is absent from school. If a student remains absent for more than two consecutive days, school authorities will directly contact the family to understand the reason and encourage the child’s return.
In a notable step, the system will also track teacher attendance. Information about teacher absenteeism will be shared with parents, a measure the government believes will enhance transparency and build greater trust in public education.
Parents Brought Into the System
The decision follows large-scale parent-teacher meetings held across Punjab, which saw participation from nearly 24 lakh parents. During these sessions, the SMS alert system was explained through structured discussions and direct engagement with school staff.
Officials said the meetings were designed to go beyond routine academic updates. Schools created a welcoming atmosphere, showcased student work through exhibitions, and encouraged parents to take a more active role in their children’s education.
The sessions also featured awareness drives, including information on HPV vaccination for girls, highlighting a broader focus on student well-being.
Education Reforms in Focus
The announcement was made during a joint press conference by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Education Minister, marking four years of the government.
Emphasising the importance of education, Mann said, “Education is the foundation of any nation,” and stressed the need to strengthen public schooling.
He also pointed to the gap between accessible “Bharat” education and elite “India” education, stating that the government aims to bring state-run schools on par with private institutions.
To support this vision, Punjab has allocated Rs 19,279 crore to education in the current budget. Mann added that Punjab has ranked first in recent surveys, while Gujarat stands 15th despite its widely promoted model.
A Broader Push for Change
The government highlighted several key initiatives already underway, including the establishment of 118 Schools of Eminence and the launch of the “School on Wheels” programme, which helps transport 10,000 girls to government schools.
It has also recruited 14,000 teachers, regularised 16,000, and sent eight batches of teachers abroad for training.
With this new system, Punjab joins a growing number of states using technology to address absenteeism. Assam, for example, runs a similar programme that sends alerts when a student is absent for five consecutive days, continuing at regular intervals until attendance resumes.
By combining technology with greater parental involvement, such initiatives reflect a broader shift towards real-time monitoring and stronger accountability in India’s public education system.
