File Photo: Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani
Ahead of Teachers' Day, HRD Minister Smriti Irani has requested states to extend benefits of the social security programmes, recently launched by the Modi government, to teachers as well.
If the Centre has its way, lakhs of teachers across the country are not only set to enroll themselves under the social security schemes but encourage their family members and others in the community to become beneficiaries as well.
"Teachers' Day would be a great occasion to involve the teachers in enrolling not only themselves but also their family members and members of the community around them under these social security programmes.
"Therefore, I request you to kindly issue necessary directions to the authorities in your state for extending benefits of the social security schemes to the esteemed teachers and others around them wherever applicable," she said in her letter to all chief ministers.
In her letter, the Minister referred to the recently launched programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana.
These initiatives are aimed at fulfilling the government's resolve to provide social security protection to all citizens including teachers in an affordable and convenient manner, she said.
Teachers' Day celebrations on September 5 has become an important calendar event ever since the Narendra Modi government took charge last year, with the Prime Minister himself utilising the occasion to connect with students through interactive sessions.