UP Launches ‘Guru Dakshina’ Cashless Medical Scheme for Teachers

The Uttar Pradesh state government has launched the Chief Minister Teacher Cashless Medical Scheme, it is popularly known as the “Guru Dakshina.” and this name is described by Honourable Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This scheme aims to provide the cashless medical treatment to teachers, Shiksha Mitras, instructors, and their families across the state. Under this initiative, the Uttar Pradesh state government will spend around ₹447 crore annually to pay the insurance premium, also ensuring that teachers can access quality healthcare without worrying about the treatment costs.

What is the Guru Dakshina Cashless Medical Scheme of UP?

The Chief Minister Teacher Cashless Medical Scheme, it is a state-funded health insurance initiative which provides cashless hospitalisation benefits to teachers and education staff in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Honourable CM Yogi Adityanath said this scheme is a form of “Guru Dakshina” from the government to the teaching community and recognising their contribution towards shaping future generations.

By removing the concerns over family healthcare, the government hopes teachers can focus fully on to improving education.

Government to Pay ₹447 Crore Annual Premium.

One of the major highlights of this scheme is that beneficiaries will not have to pay an insurance premium.

Instead, the state government of Uttar Pradesh will bear an annual expenditure of around₹447 crore, will pay an average premium of total ₹3,000 per teacher every year.

This scheme will be implemented through SACHIS (State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services), and it will offer treatment in both government hospitals and empanelled private hospitals.

Who Will Benefit from the Scheme?

This cashless medical scheme covers a wide range of the education sector employees and their dependents, which includes,

• Teachers of Basic and Secondary Schools
• Teachers of Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Council
• Teachers of aided and self-financed schools
• Shiksha Mitras
• Special Educators (CWSN)
• Instructors
• Wardens of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs)
• Full-time and part-time teachers
• Mid-Day Meal (PM Poshan) cooks
• Eligible family members and dependents

Overall, around 10 lakh teachers and the contractual education employees are expected to get benefits of scheme.

Key Features of the Guru Dakshina Scheme

This scheme has been designed to provide comprehensive hospitalisation support.

Major benefits includes,

• Cashless hospitalisation in the government and empanelled private hospitals.
• Coverage for over 1,900 treatment packages.
• Treatment for major illnesses including:
• Cancer
• Heart diseases
• Kidney diseases
• Complex surgeries
• Health coverage for eligible family members.
• Implemented through SACHIS for seamless claim settlement.

However, the outpatient (OPD) consultations are not included under the scheme.

SBI Social Security Package for Teachers

Alongside with the medical scheme, the Basic Education Department signed an MoU with the State Bank of India (SBI) to provide the enhanced social security benefits.

Permanent teachers and employees who are earning more than ₹10,000 per month, the package includes,

• ₹10 lakh Group Term Life Insurance
• ₹1 crore Personal Accident Insurance
• ₹1 crore Permanent Disability Cover
• ₹1.6 crore Air Accident Insurance
• Additional financial assistance for their children’s education and daughters’ marriage

For contractual employees earning above ₹10,000,

• ₹80 lakh Personal Accident Insurance
• ₹80 lakh Permanent Disability Cover
• ₹40 lakh Partial Disability Cover
• ₹80 lakh Air Accident Insurance
• Additional education and marriage support

Employees who are earning below ₹10,000 can also receive insurance these benefits through SBI’s zero-balance salary accounts and debit card facilities.

DBT Benefits for School Students Continue

The Chief Minister Yogi has also highlighted the state’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) support for the school children.

Since the academic year 2021-22, the government has been transferring ₹1,200 per student directly into their parents’ bank accounts for educational materials.

The amount covers the,

• ₹600 for two school uniforms
• ₹175 for school bags
• ₹200 for sweaters
• ₹125 for shoes and socks
• ₹100 for stationery

This initiative aims to ensure the timely financial support and it reduce leakages in welfare distribution.

Why the Guru Dakshina Scheme Matters

As teachers are the backbone of the education system, yet many of them face financial stress because of rising healthcare expenses.

By introducing the government-funded cashless treatment scheme, the state of Uttar Pradesh has attempted to strengthen the social security for the educators along with reducing their medical burden.

The combination of the health insurance, accident cover, life insurance, and student welfare initiatives showcases a broader effort to improve the support systems across the state’s education sector.