VARANASI, July 9 -- Minister of state (independent charge) for basic education Sandeep Singh on Wednesday declared that the government has initiated a new chapter in teachers' welfare from the sacred land of Kashi. "Knowledge is the light that illuminates the path for the individual, society and the nation alike," Singh said. Singh was speaking at the launch of the 'Chief Minister's Teachers' Cashless Medical Scheme,' which was inaugurated by chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Varanasi. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the State Bank of India to provide social security coverage to 1.2 million teachers and contractual staff. During the event, principals and headmasters of schools recognised at the national level for cleanliness and eco-friendliness were also felicitated. Minister Singh noted that the teaching community had long requested cashless medical facilities. He emphasised that the newly launched scheme provides vital government support for 1.2 million individuals in the basic and secondary education community, including teachers and their families. "Only when teachers are free from worry can they seamlessly shape the future of children," he remarked, adding that teachers will no longer need to worry about medical expenses. Singh also highlighted that 12 schools in Uttar Pradesh have received the national 'Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar' (Clean School Award) under the Government of India's 'Clean and Green School Scheme.' He noted a significant improvement in the education sector since 2017, citing a decrease in the dropout rate from 15% to below 3%....