Chandigarh, May 10, 2026: Nearly 200 contractual vocational subject teachers in Chandigarh government schools are still waiting for the renewal of their annual contracts, even though the new academic session began on April 1. The delay has affected skill education classes across several schools, raising concerns among teachers, students, and education stakeholders at a time when vocational education is being positioned as a core part of school learning.

The affected teachers conduct vocational and skill-based subjects for students of Classes IX to XII, including Information Technology, Retail, Beauty and Wellness, Marketing and Sales, Artificial Intelligence, and Employability Skills. These subjects form an important part of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s growing skill education framework and are aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.

According to teachers, annual contracts are usually renewed around the beginning of the academic session. However, this year, renewal letters have not yet been issued, leaving both teachers and students uncertain. Several vocational periods in government schools have reportedly been disrupted due to the absence of teachers.

The issue has been taken up with Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria after a teachers’ union submitted a representation demanding immediate renewal of services. The union has also sought regularisation of vocational teachers who have been serving in government schools for several years on temporary contracts.

In its representation, the union stated that vocational education is no longer an optional or secondary activity, but an integral component of the CBSE academic structure. The union argued that delaying contract renewal undermines the continuity of skill-based education and places students at a disadvantage.

Union representatives also questioned how schools can effectively implement CBSE’s expanding vocational curriculum without teachers being available from the start of the academic year.

The disruption comes at a critical time when CBSE has been expanding skill-based learning in schools. The Board currently offers more than 20 skill subjects at the secondary level and over 40 subjects at the senior secondary level. Schools have also been encouraged to establish composite skill labs and strengthen employability-focused education.

Under the current skill education framework, vocational subjects are part of the school curriculum for secondary classes, while employability skills are integrated across multiple courses. Subjects such as Information Technology, Tourism, Banking, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Marketing are being actively promoted to prepare students for future job markets.

However, the delay in renewing contracts has created a gap between policy intent and classroom implementation.

“We are not talking about a side activity. These are regular daily classes being taken in schools. Students preparing for vocational subjects are suffering because teachers have not been renewed even after the session has started,” said Shiv Murat from the Joint Action Commission of Teachers.

Several vocational teachers said the delay has increased anxiety over employment continuity and income security. Many of them have been working in Chandigarh government schools for years, but continue to remain on yearly contracts.

The teachers are reportedly paid around Rs 20,000 per month and receive salary for only 11 months in a year, with no salary during June due to summer vacations. With government schools scheduled to begin summer vacation from May 23, teachers fear that any delay beyond the upcoming approval process may push their renewal further into the next reopening cycle.

One vocational teacher, who has been working in Chandigarh government schools for the past four years, said many teachers are single mothers or sole earners in their families and are struggling with low salaries and annual uncertainty.

“We are already surviving on just Rs 20,000 salary despite teaching specialised vocational subjects for years. Instead of salary increments or job security, every new session brings uncertainty over whether we will even be retained,” the teacher said, requesting anonymity.

An education department official said the matter is linked to approvals under the Samagra Shiksha framework. The Project Approval Board meeting is scheduled for May 20, after which clarity on contract renewals is expected.

However, teachers argue that the delay has already affected classroom learning. They also expressed concern that if contracts are renewed only after the PAB meeting and summer vacations, many teachers may remain without work and income for an extended period.

Director, School Education, Nitish Singla, reportedly did not respond to calls seeking comment.

The issue highlights a wider concern in the implementation of vocational education in schools. While national and board-level policies increasingly emphasise skill education, artificial intelligence, employability skills, and industry-linked learning, the availability and stability of trained vocational teachers remain central to success.

For students, disrupted vocational classes can affect academic continuity, practical exposure, and preparation for skill-based careers. For teachers, repeated annual uncertainty raises questions around job security, professional recognition, and fair compensation.

As Chandigarh government schools move through the academic calendar, the pending renewal of nearly 200 vocational teachers has become a key test of whether skill education will receive the institutional support required to move beyond policy announcements and reach classrooms effectively.