Ludhiana, Feb. 18 -- Punjab education minister Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday suspended the block primary education officer (BPEO) of Machhiwara with immediate effect after he found that the majority of students of Indira Colony Government Primary School were unable to read simple Punjabi text. He also ordered issuance of notices to three teachers posted at the school for failing to ensure minimum learning outcomes.

After conducting the surprise check at the school, Bains described the situation as deeply alarming. He said such poor academic foundations would destroy the future of an entire generation if not corrected immediately. "What I saw today is unacceptable. These children cannot even read their mother tongue. How will they become ...