Detailed discussion held at an all-party meeting regarding strengthening the education system and issues concerning the interests of teachers: Leader of the House Keshav Prasad Maurya
An all-party meeting was convened today in Assembly Hall No. 77 under the chairmanship of the Leader of the House (Legislative Council) and Deputy Chief Minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya. The meeting focused on various significant issues concerning the Basic Education, Secondary Education, Higher Education, and Finance Departments, involving detailed deliberations on matters related to the state's teachers, *Shiksha Mitras* (para-teachers), instructors, cooks, and non-teaching staff. Attendees included Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay; Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Secondary Education Smt. Gulab Devi; Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Shri Lal Bihari Yadav; and MLCs Shri Rajbahadur Singh Chandel, Dr. Akash Agarwal, Shri Dhruv Kumar Tripathi, Dr. Babu Lal Tiwari, Shri Saket Mishra, Dr. Man Singh Yadav, and Dr. Ashutosh Sinha, alongside senior officials from the relevant departments. During the meeting, members shared their suggestions and views on critical issues affecting teachers and other personnel in the basic, secondary, and higher education sectors. They presented their perspectives to the government regarding the challenges, facilities, and interests of various groups associated with the teaching community and the education system. The significant steps taken by the state government for these various groups within the education sector were also discussed. In particular, the decision to extend medical facility benefits to *Shiksha Mitras*, instructors, and cooks—as well as to teachers and non-teaching staff in aided and self-financed institutions, primary and upper primary schools, secondary schools, and colleges—was welcomed.
It was also noted during the meeting that cashless medical facilities are being provided to teachers, non-teaching staff, *Shiksha Mitras*, instructors, and cooks working in schools run by the Basic Education, Secondary Education, Social Welfare, Labour, and Minority Welfare Departments. Describing this government decision as a significant and welfare-oriented step for the vast community associated with the education sector, all the honorable members present expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the state government. The honorable members stated that strengthening the education system requires not only providing a better academic environment in schools and colleges but also paying special attention to the welfare and social security of teachers, non-teaching staff, and all personnel associated with the education system. In this regard, the expansion of cashless medical facilities offers significant relief to teachers and other staff members. Describing the all-party deliberations on various education-related issues as positive and constructive, the members emphasized the importance of mutual dialogue and cooperation in making the education system more effective, high-quality, and robust. Discussions were also held regarding the necessary action to be taken by the concerned departments on the suggestions and ideas put forward during the meeting. A detailed discussion took place in a cordial atmosphere among the honorable members and departmental officials present. All parties expressed their commitment to strengthening the state's education system and prioritizing the interests of teachers and personnel associated with the education sector.
