Big Boost for 1.5 Million Teachers in UP: Cashless Treatment Now Available at Private Hospitals

In a significant move for the state’s education workforce, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a proposal allowing teachers and education staff to avail cashless medical treatment at private hospitals. The decision, finalized in the cabinet meeting on Thursday, covers around 1.5 million teachers, education staff, and their families under both the Basic and Secondary Education Councils.

The initiative, modeled on the Ayushman Bharat scheme, will see the government spend approximately ₹448 crore to provide this benefit. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced the scheme on Teacher’s Day 2025.

Who Will Benefit

Under the Secondary Education Council, grant-aided and self-financed school teachers, vocational subject experts, contract teachers, and their dependents will be covered. Teachers from schools affiliated with the Sanskrit Education Council are also included. Secondary Education Minister Gulab Devi stated that over 2.97 lakh people will benefit from this scheme, with an estimated expenditure of ₹89.25 crore.

Similarly, under the Basic Education Council, teachers, Shiksha Mitras, special educators, instructors, wardens of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, and cooks under the PM Poshan Scheme, along with their dependents, will be eligible. Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh said this would benefit more than 11.95 lakh employees, with an estimated annual government expenditure of ₹358.61 crore, based on a premium of around ₹3,000 per employee per year.

Eligibility and Restrictions

The cashless treatment facility will be available at both government and private hospitals. Treatment charges will follow the rates set under the Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana and the National Health Authority. Self-financed teachers from recognized schools will require verification through a committee headed by the District Education Officer and Basic Education Officer.

However, those already enrolled in other health schemes, such as the PM Jan Arogya Yojana or the Chief Minister Jan Arogya Initiative, will not be eligible for this scheme.

This landmark decision aims to ensure better healthcare access for educators, providing a major incentive and security to the backbone of the state’s education system.