Uttar Pradesh approves cashless healthcare for 14 lakh teachers in major welfare step

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken a major and historic decision to improve the lives of teachers across the state. The state Cabinet has approved a cashless healthcare scheme for teachers working in both basic and secondary education departments. This decision will benefit around 14 lakh teachers and is being seen as one of the biggest welfare steps ever taken for educators in Uttar Pradesh.

The announcement was made after a Cabinet meeting by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna. He said the move fulfils a long-pending demand of teachers and will ensure that they get medical treatment without worrying about money. The state government has approved a budget of Rs 358.61 crore for this scheme.

With this decision, teachers will no longer need to pay medical bills from their own pockets and wait for reimbursements. Instead, they will be able to receive treatment in approved hospitals without making upfront payments.

Cashless healthcare for basic education teachers

Under the new scheme, teachers working in basic education schools will be the first to receive cashless medical benefits. Around 11.95 lakh primary and upper primary school teachers will be covered in this phase.

These teachers will be able to get free medical treatment at hospitals approved by the government. The benefits include outpatient care, medical tests, hospital admission, and surgeries. This is expected to reduce financial stress for teachers, especially at a time when healthcare costs are rising sharply.

The scheme will be linked with existing government health systems to ensure smooth implementation. Teachers will be able to use digital systems for verification and treatment, making the process faster and simpler.

Officials said that the cashless facility will begin immediately for basic education teachers. The aim is to ensure that teachers do not delay or avoid treatment due to lack of funds. This will also help improve their overall health and work-life balance.

Teachers’ organisations have welcomed the decision. Many said it will bring peace of mind and allow teachers to focus more on teaching rather than worrying about medical expenses. For many teachers, especially those posted in rural areas, this scheme is expected to be a major relief.

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Secondary teachers added in expanded plan

The Cabinet has also approved the extension of the same cashless healthcare benefits to teachers working in the secondary education department. Nearly 3 lakh secondary school teachers will now receive the same level of medical coverage as primary teachers.

These teachers will have access to specialist doctors, better hospital facilities, and improved healthcare services. The scheme also includes faster digital processing of claims so that hospitals can be paid quickly and teachers do not face delays or complications.

With the inclusion of secondary teachers, the total number of beneficiaries under the scheme has crossed 14 lakh. This makes Uttar Pradesh one of the leading states in the country when it comes to teacher welfare.

The government has said that hospitals will be upgraded where needed to meet the requirements of the scheme. Digital systems will be strengthened to ensure transparency and ease of use for teachers.

Minister Suresh Khanna said the government is serious about implementing the scheme on time. He added that all departments have been instructed to ensure full rollout by March 2026. According to him, teachers play a crucial role in shaping society, and it is the government’s duty to take care of their health and well-being.

During the Cabinet meeting, around 30 proposals were cleared, but this healthcare decision stood out as the most important welfare reform. The funds for the scheme will come from the state budget, showing the government’s commitment to education and public service workers.

Teachers across the state have described the move as “life-changing.” Many said that medical expenses often create heavy financial pressure, especially during serious illness. With cashless treatment, teachers can now seek timely medical care without fear.

The decision is also expected to improve morale among teachers and attract more people to the teaching profession. Experts believe that such welfare measures can lead to better performance in schools, as teachers feel valued and supported.

Overall, the cashless healthcare scheme marks a new chapter in Uttar Pradesh’s education and welfare policies. By covering both primary and secondary teachers, the state has sent a strong message that educators are a top priority.

As the scheme moves toward full implementation, teachers and their families are hopeful that this promise will turn into smooth and effective healthcare access. If implemented successfully, it could become a model for other states to follow in the future.