Lahore: The future of 25,000 school teacher interns (STIs) serving in government schools of Punjab is still uncertain, despite the start of the new academic session, their contracts could not be extended.
According to official sources, the contracts of STIs expired on May 22 before the summer vacations. After the vacations are over, the new academic year has started, however, a large number of teachers are still waiting for re-appointment or extension of their contracts.
The provincial education minister announced the extension of the contracts of STIs immediately after the summer vacations, but despite the announcement, it has not been implemented yet.
In this connection Punjab Teachers Union has said that due to the shortage of teachers, teaching activities in government schools are being affected, as well as student enrollment. The union has demanded that the contracts of 25,000 school teacher interns be extended immediately.
According to the education department, a summary has been sent to the Punjab Chief Minister for the extension of the contracts of STIs. The contracts of school teacher interns will be extended as soon as the summary is approved.
