CM gives cashless medical facility to 9L govt teachers in UP | Lucknow News

Lucknow: In a Teacher’s Day gift, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday announced cashless medical treatment for all govt teachers. This will benefit around nine lakh teachers in the state.Considering the long-pending demand of the teaching fraternity, Yogi said all teachers — primary, upper primary, secondary, from aided and self-finance colleges, will get the facility. In addition, shiksha mitras (para-teachers), anudeshkas (instructors), and cook-cum-helpers too will be linked with cashless medical facility, the CM said. Speaking at the State Teacher Award ceremony in Lucknow, Yogi said, “Teachers and their families will no longer face financial difficulties in case of illness or emergency. This facility is a token of gratitude from the govt to teachers for their contribution in shaping the future generation.” The CM assured teachers that the govt will take care of their needs and that they should continue giving their best to ensure children get quality education. Yogi told the teachers that the departments of basic, secondary, and higher education have been asked to complete all formalities quickly and provide this facility in a time-bound manner.Saying that para-teachers and instructors contribute significantly to imparting quality education, the CM said a high-level committee has been constituted to work out a higher pay for them. “The govt will take a positive decision after the committee submits its report. Teachers are not only knowledge providers but also builders of the nation’s foundation. Teachers are above bureaucrats or politicians; they guide society. It’s our priority to protect their dignity and carry out welfare for them,” he said.Yogi said initiatives like Operation Kayakalp and Project Alankar have significantly improved the condition of schools in the state. Under Operation Kayakalp, 1.36 lakh schools have been equipped with 19 basic facilities. Through Project Alankar, 2,100 schools have been provided with new buildings and safe environments. Initiatives like the Nipun Bharat Mission and Bal Vatika enhance children’s language and mathematical skills while providing nutrition and basic education.Yogi highlighted that while propaganda targeted school mergers and Balvatika programmes, many principals and teachers have set examples through hard work and innovation. He said, “All such people should come see our schools; they can compete with convent and public schools.” He added that several innovations in districts like Sultanpur and Varanasi stand as a testament to high-quality education.He also highlighted that teachers from UP, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh continue to be recognised for excellence. “This identity is being further strengthened through positive environments and innovation,” he said.The CM further said that under NEP, Bal Vatika has been launched for children aged 3–6 years. Over 5,000 Bal Vatikas have been opened in this session, enrolling more than 25,000 children in their first step to education. These children are also connected with Anganwadi centres and the Chief Minister’s Poshan Mission, ensuring education is paired with health, strengthening the foundation of Uttar Pradesh, he said. Criticising previous govts for keeping education as the last priority, Yogi said, “Before 2017, the UP Board exams were marred with unfair practices. Today, exams are conducted in a fair and transparent manner under CCTV surveillance. With 56 lakh students appearing, results are now declared within a month.” He added, “Before 2017, UP lagged in education, health, and security, and exams were synonymous with cheating and chaos. Those creating negativity now are trying to hinder the state’s progress, but UP will no longer dwell in negativity.”Meanwhile, welcoming the cashless facility, UP Primary Teachers’ Association president Dinesh Chandra Sharma, said, “We thank the CM for providing this facility. At the same time, we are apprehensive that the facility should not be like a previous one proposed by the basic education department where teachers were supposed to pay a premium to avail the medical expenses.”Vivekanand Arya, president of the Teacher Self-Care Team, hailed the move “We are indebted to the Chief Minister for thinking about teachers and their families. The cashless medical facility will help grief-stricken families and provide a constant pillar of support.”