Chandigarh: The Punjab state assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to make teaching of Punjabi in schools and use of Punjabi language in all government work mandatory throughout the state.

The teaching of Punjabi up to class 10 in all schools, including private ones, whether following the Central Board of Secondary Education CBSE or ICSE patterns, will be implemented uniformly in all schools across the state, said Minister for Higher Education Upinderjit Kaur.

The state assembly passed the resolution unanimously to make mandatory the use of Punjabi in official work. Officials found violating the order on usage of Punjabi would be punished, the new order stated.

"Earlier also the orders for compulsory use of Punjabi in official work were there, but were not being implemented. Now, the officials will be punished for violating the order," said Congress legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira. IANS