Punjab mandates Punjabi for official work, digitizes 18,550 books

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced significant Punjabi language initiatives as part of the state's four-year education reforms. Under the *Punjab Language Act*, Punjabi has been made 100% mandatory for all official work across the state.

The government has undertaken extensive digitization efforts, converting 18,550 books of Punjabi literature into digital format. Additionally, 592 rare manuscripts have been preserved and digitized, with over 100 books now available online for public access.

A new *Shabdmala E-Dictionary* has been launched as an Android application, featuring multiple Punjabi lexicons to aid language learners and users. The initiative aims to promote Punjabi language use and accessibility in the digital age.

The state has also recognized literary contributions by displaying portraits of 60 eminent Punjabi literary personalities at Punjab Bhawan in New Delhi and distributing awards for outstanding books in Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu. These measures form part of Punjab's broader education revolution, positioning linguistic preservation alongside academic reforms.