This Directorate has been set up by the Punjab Government vide its Notification No. 10/6/2002-3E.7/7825, dated 1.4.2003 to fully implement the education policy of the Government regarding Elementary Education. Prior to it, in February 1978 a separate Directorate of Primary Education was established by the State Government. The main object of the Primary Education Directorate was to ensure providing of free and compulsory Education to the children of age group 6-11 years under the compulsory Primary Education Act, 1960 and in the year 2003, this Directorate has been upgraded to the level of Elementary Education thereby changing its nomenclature. Every revenue village of the state is having a government primary school.

Dr. Jagtar Singh, P.E.S-1 is presently working as Director of Public Instruction (Elementary Education) Punjab, since 7-11-2002 at the Headquarter Level.