LUCKNOW: In a major relief to contractual teachers across Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a significant increase in the monthly honorarium for Shiksha Mitras and Instructors during the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly budget session. The new decision, effective from April 1, will benefit nearly 1.78 lakh contractual teachers across the state. The Chief Minister announced that Shiksha Mitras will now receive Rs 18,000 per month instead of the current Rs 10,000, marking an 80 per cent hike in their pay. Similarly, instructors will get Rs 17,000 per month under the revised structure. Along with this, the state government has decided to provide cashless medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for Shiksha Mitras and instructors under the government’s health insurance scheme.
The announcement has brought a wave of happiness among thousands of Shiksha Mitras who have been working in government schools for years on contractual terms. There are currently about 1.5 lakh Shiksha Mitras and 28,000 instructors serving across Uttar Pradesh. They have long been demanding a rise in their honorarium and better social security facilities.
CM Yogi’s statement in the Assembly was met with loud applause while he assured that the state government acknowledges the hard work and dedication of these educators, who play a key role in shaping the foundation of school education in the state.
“Earlier governments used to pay Shiksha Mitras and instructors only Rs 3,000. Earlier we raised it to Rs 10,000, and now from April, it’s enhanced to Rs 18,000. We have also arranged for their medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The government stands with those who dedicate their service to children’s education,” said CM Yogi.
Opposition Pressure and Government Response
The issue of low honorarium for Shiksha Mitras and instructors had been repeatedly raised by opposition parties during the budget session. Leaders from the Samajwadi Party (SP), including party chief Akhilesh Yadav and MLA Ragini Sonkar, had demanded that the government take immediate steps to improve their financial condition. The opposition had criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, saying that despite years of service, Shiksha Mitras continued to receive low pay compared to other teaching staff. They also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding their employment status.
Responding to the opposition’s criticism, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi turned the tables by pointing out that the previous governments had failed to take any major steps for these educators. He reminded the House that the earlier honorarium was only Rs 3,000, and his government had already raised it to Rs 10,000 in the past. With the latest revision, the monthly amount has now gone up to Rs 18,000, along with healthcare benefits , a move being seen as both a welfare and strategic decision.
Political and Social Significance
The announcement is linked to the upcoming assembly elections, as Shiksha Mitras and instructors form a large voting bloc in rural Uttar Pradesh. Their role is crucial in running primary schools, especially in villages, where they often serve as the backbone of basic education. Political analysts are of the view that this decision could boost the morale of the education community and strengthen the ruling party’s image among contractual employees. However, the Yogi administration has in recent years launched several initiatives to improve teacher training, introduce digital classrooms, and ensure quality learning for children in government schools.
The Rs 5 lakh cashless treatment provision will be available through the Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which is linked to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Under this, beneficiaries can receive treatment in empanelled hospitals without paying cash upfront. The Chief Minister also directed the concerned departments to ensure smooth and timely payments to Shiksha Mitras and instructors. “There should be no delay in the payment of honorarium. The education department must ensure transparency and speed in the process,” he said.
शिक्षा मित्रों के लिए बड़ी खुशखबरी….
सीएम योगी ने कहा अप्रैल से मिलेंगे 18000 रुपए। अभी मिलते थे 10,000।
यूपी में 1 लाख 43 हजार शिक्षामित्र हैं।
— Srishti Vishwakarma (@Srishtivishwak4) February 20, 2026
Following the announcement, Shiksha Mitra unions across Uttar Pradesh expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister. Many said the government had finally listened to their long-pending demands, though some groups also urged for permanent appointment and parity with regular teachers. Social media was flooded with posts from teachers and supporters appreciating the government’s step. The general sentiment among educators was that this increase would help them manage rising expenses and provide financial relief to their families.
