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PTC Web Desk: A fresh political row has erupted in Punjab after the state government started distributing free school bags to students of Classes 11 and 12 in government schools. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has criticised the move, accusing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of using public welfare schemes for political promotion.

In a statement, Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that the Punjab government had printed the Chief Minister's photograph on nearly four lakh school bags meant for government school students.

He said after printing the Chief Minister's image on utensils, ration bags and envelopes, the government had now done the same with school bags meant for children.

He also questioned the government's claim of bringing an "education revolution" in Punjab. He said real progress in education would be visible only when schools have enough teachers and proper basic facilities.

The SAD leader further alleged that the state government was spending crores of rupees from the public treasury on self-promotion instead of improving the education system.

The Punjab Government has started distributing free school bags to around four lakh students studying in Classes 11 and 12 in government schools across the state.

The saffron-coloured bags carry the photograph of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann along with the words "Punjab Sikhya Kranti" (Punjab Education Revolution). The bags have been prepared under the directions of the Punjab government through the Punjab School Education Board.

Distribution of the bags has already begun in several government schools, including those in Mohali district.