Around 25,000 School Teacher Interns (STIs) working in Punjab government schools may continue in their positions as the provincial government considers extending their contracts.
The teachers have been waiting for a decision since their previous contracts ended on May 22, 2026, shortly before the summer vacation. With schools now open again, the matter has become important for both teachers and school administrations.
STI Contract Extension Is Still Awaiting Approval
The Punjab Education Department has prepared a proposal to extend the contracts and sent a summary to the Chief Minister for approval.
According to the department, the extension will be implemented after the summary is approved. At present, the government has not issued a final notification confirming the extension.
Punjab’s education minister had earlier indicated that STI contracts would be continued after the summer break, but the formal decision has not yet been completed.
Why STIs Are Waiting for a Decision
The contracts expired before the summer holidays, leaving many STIs uncertain about whether they would return to their schools when the new academic session began.
Schools have now reopened, but a decision on the teachers’ reappointment or contract extension is still pending.
This has also raised concerns about staffing in government schools.
Teachers’ Union Calls for Immediate Action
The Punjab Teachers Union has urged the government to make a decision without further delay.
The union says schools are already facing a shortage of teachers and that the absence of STIs is affecting academic activities in government institutions.
For schools that were relying on these interns to support classroom teaching, a prolonged delay could create additional pressure on existing teaching staff.
What Happens After Approval?
If the Chief Minister approves the summary, the Education Department is expected to move ahead with the contract extension process.
Until then, the continuation of the approximately 25,000 STI teachers remains under consideration.
Students, parents and school administrations will likely be waiting for the official notification, particularly in schools where teacher availability has already been a concern.
Important Information
The Punjab government has not yet officially confirmed the extension of all 25,000 STI contracts.
The Education Department has sent the proposal for approval, and the contracts are expected to be extended once the required approval is received. Until an official notification is issued, teachers should treat the extension as pending rather than final.