Punjab Approves Return of 25,000 School Teacher Interns

The Punjab government has approved the return of School Teacher Interns (STIs) to government schools, providing relief to thousands of interns who have been waiting for a decision since their contracts ended earlier this year.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said Chief Minister Punjab has approved the summary concerning STIs and that the interns are expected to resume their duties by next week.

Around 25,000 STIs Awaiting Rejoining

The contracts of approximately 25,000 School Teacher Interns expired on May 22, shortly before the start of the summer vacation.

Since then, the interns had been waiting for confirmation regarding their reappointment or extension of their contracts.

The latest approval is expected to allow the interns to return to schools and resume teaching responsibilities.

Teacher Shortage Raised Concerns

The Punjab Teachers Union had previously urged the provincial government to make an early decision regarding the interns.

The union pointed out that several government schools were facing a shortage of teaching staff, which was affecting routine academic activities.

The return of STIs is therefore expected to provide additional teaching support in public-sector schools as educational activities continue.

Exact Contract Terms Still Awaited

Although the chief minister has approved the summary, several details have yet to be formally announced.

The education minister’s statement did not specify the exact date on which all STIs will join their respective schools. Details regarding the duration of the new contracts and payment terms have also not been disclosed.

Further instructions from the Punjab government are expected to clarify these matters before the interns officially resume their duties.