Punjab's education reforms face scrutiny amid teacher shortages and political fallout

The suspension of AAP MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana over teacher shortage allegations brought Punjab's public school reforms under public scrutiny.

While NITI Aayog's May 2026 report identified Punjab among stronger performers in learning outcomes, state figures indicate staffing vacancies across various cadres.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains informed the Punjab Assembly in August that 31,370 teacher posts were vacant across different cadres.