Times of India
16 May 2011
Lucknow, India

University teachers all across the state will now be entitled for medical facility. This was announced by the state higher education minister, Rakesh Dhar Tripathi on Sunday while he was attending a valedictory ceremony of a seminar on ‘Reforms in Indian Tax Structure’ at Lucknow University. Tripathi was of the view that teachers who are not economically strong should not face problem in terms of getting medical aid.

The state higher education minister also allocated a sum of Rs 10 lakh to make Malviya Hall air– conditioned. He said that it is a tough task to sit in the hall during intense summers and with lot of seminars taking place, the hall should be air–conditioned. LU vice–chancellor (V–C), Prof MK Mishra thanked the minister and announced that there will be a special function on 150 years of Madan Mohan Malviya on Teachers’ Day. Besides, he granted Rs 1 lakh to the department of commerce, Lucknow University to hold seminars.

On the state government’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) scheme wherein crores have been spent, Tripathi expressed his disappointment with the LU V–C for not having sent the proposals till date. He asked the V–C to immediately look into the matter and submit the proposals at the earliest.

While speaking at the seminar, director, Giri Institute of Developmental Studies, Prof AK Singh said post liberalisation when the tax rates were lowered down and the collection shot up, the country was flourishing. He also urged the people to pay income tax because the money lured is ultimately put to the development of a common man. Supporting his statement, Tripathi said, "It definitely hurts when one has to pay income tax. But the development of infrastructure, roads, and trains is only possible when the country has a high collection."

Teachers from across the state hailed the decision of state higher education minister, Rakesh Dhar Tripathi, to provide medical facility to them. Teachers were of the view that it is a big step for their welfare.

"Those teachers who suffer from cancer or heart diseases and have to spend considerably high amount will benefit from the facility," said Pushpendra Mishra, faculty, commerce, and state secretary, Federation of UP Residential Universities Teachers’ Association. He also apprised that Tripathi had announced the same on August 17, 2008 at Sampooranand Sanskrit University, Varanasi and due to some complications, it could not be implemented. Tripathi’s concern on the demands of the teachers was well appreciated. The minister has also constituted a committee to outline the process.