Yogi Adityanath to Launch Teacher Cashless Medical Scheme in Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh’s educators and their families gain access to comprehensive ₹5 lakh annual health coverage starting July 8.

VARANASI — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to officially launch the Mukhyamantri Shikshak Cashless Chikitsa Yojana in Varanasi on July 8, 2026. The landmark welfare scheme aims to provide significant financial relief to teachers by offering cashless medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year.

The initiative, designed to align with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) framework, covers eligible teachers from the state’s Basic and Secondary Education Departments, along with their dependent family members. By integrating these educators into the national health insurance architecture, the government seeks to eliminate the burden of out-of-pocket expenses for serious medical conditions.

A Digital-First Approach to Healthcare

To ensure transparency and efficient delivery, the government has adopted a fully digitized system. Archana Verma, CEO of the State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services (SACHIS), confirmed that a specialized portal has been operationalized to manage beneficiary registration, verification, and approval.

Teachers and staff must complete a digital registration process, which is verified at the block or district level, depending on the department. Once approved, the data is integrated with the National Health Authority’s (NHA) Beneficiary Identification System (BIS) portal. Following an Aadhaar-based e-KYC process, beneficiaries can download their digital health cards and avail of services at any empanelled hospital across the country.

Expansion and Wider Impact

The launch in Varanasi marks the beginning of a phased rollout that the state government intends to expand significantly. Preparations are already underway to bring teachers and employees from the Higher Education Department under the scheme's umbrella. Through a dedicated portal, university and college staff will soon be able to register and secure the same comprehensive health security benefits as their primary and secondary education counterparts.

In a concurrent development aimed at enhancing financial security, the Basic Education Department is also finalizing an agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI). This collaboration will provide a special salary package to approximately 10 lakh personnel—including permanent teachers, Shiksha Mitras, instructors, and midday meal staff—offering additional benefits such as ₹10 lakh life cover and ₹1 crore in accident and disability protection.

Official Sources

• State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services (SACHIS): Overseeing the digital infrastructure and beneficiary verification for the cashless medical facility.

• Basic & Secondary Education Departments: The primary administrative bodies responsible for verifying educator credentials for the scheme.

• National Health Authority (NHA): Providing the underlying technological framework for health insurance integration.

Quote Section

"According to officials, the Mukhyamantri Shikshak Cashless Chikitsa Yojana is a pivotal step in ensuring the social and economic empowerment of the teaching community. By providing cashless treatment in empanelled hospitals, the government aims to significantly reduce the financial stress on teachers and their families during medical emergencies."

Why It Matters

For thousands of educators across Uttar Pradesh, this scheme provides a vital safety net that was previously unavailable. By removing financial barriers to quality healthcare, the government expects to improve the overall well-being of the teaching force, which is essential for the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The integration with Ayushman Bharat ensures that this benefit is portable, allowing teachers to seek treatment at major hospitals nationwide.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Coverage Amount: Up to ₹5 lakh annually for the teacher and their dependent family members.

• Eligibility: Includes teachers and staff from Basic and Secondary Education departments; expansion to Higher Education is in progress.

• Network: Access to cashless treatment at any empanelled Ayushman Bharat hospital across India.

• Digital Access: Beneficiaries receive a digital health card following Aadhaar-based e-KYC verification.

• Target Audience: The combined initiative, including upcoming banking tie-ups, aims to support approximately 10 lakh permanent and contractual employees.

FAQ

How do I apply for the Mukhyamantri Shikshak Cashless Chikitsa Yojana?

Teachers can register on the designated portal provided by their respective education departments. Once verified by school principals or Block Education Officers (BEO), beneficiaries complete their e-KYC to download the digital health card.

Are my family members covered?

Yes, the scheme extends coverage to dependent family members of the eligible teachers, ensuring comprehensive health security for the household.

Where can I use this cashless health card?

The card is valid at all hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana across the country.

Source:

• UNI India

• Dainik Jagran

• Economic Times (BFSI)

• Live Hindustan