LUCKNOW, Aug. 19 -- Providing relief to teachers and non-teaching staff of the state's basic education department, the UP government has decided to refund group insurance scheme (GIS) premium deductions, said a spokesperson. The government has granted approval for this and over Rs.134 crore will be refunded as arrears to the teachers and non-teaching staff concerned. Under the financial approval order issued by additional chief secretary (basic education) Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, the GIS premium amount deducted from salaries from March 31, 2014, to September 1, 2022, will be refunded to the accounts of the employees. Necessary guidelines have been issued to the district drawing and disbursing officers and block education officers. Basic education minister Sandeep Singh said the decision to refund the GIS deduction reflects the government's transparent and sensitive approach. The government said if any irregularities are found, the block education officer and disbursing officer will be held responsible. htc...