The Uttarakhand Secondary Teachers Association has asked the state government to extend tablet support to students in government-aided schools, challenging an order that currently covers only students in Classes 10–12 at government schools. The demand was raised during an online meeting of the association’s office-bearers in Kotdwar.
Under the order, eligible students in government schools are to receive the tablet amount through direct benefit transfer, or DBT. The association said the arrangement would leave students studying in aided schools outside the Knowledge Bank scheme unless the government changes the order.
Teachers seek amendment to government order
The association referred to an announcement made by the Chief Minister on 18 September 2026. It said the government order issued after that announcement includes a provision for transferring tablet funds only to students enrolled in government schools.
The teachers’ body has urged the government to amend the order and include students from government-aided schools. It argued that these schools also educate large numbers of students from poor and middle-class families, along with academically talented students.
The demand is for equal access to the tablet benefit under the Knowledge Bank scheme. The association’s position is that the type of school should not prevent eligible students from receiving support intended for their education.
Association cites student performance
During the meeting, the association said aided-school students had performed strongly in the Chief Minister Yuva Vidyarthi Manthan programme and in board examination merit lists. It specifically referred to 140 meritorious students selected under the programme, saying students from aided schools were among those who had achieved distinction.
The reference was presented as support for including aided-school students in the tablet programme. The association did not announce any change to the existing order during the meeting, and the government’s response to the demand was not stated.
Those who attended the online meeting included provincial president Swatantra Kumar Mishra, general secretary Dr Mahavir Singh Bisht, treasurer Jitendra Pundir, Garhwal division president Sanjay Rawat, Ajay Bisht and Dr Anil Sharma.
Conclusion
The teachers’ association wants the government to revise the tablet-funding order so students in aided schools can also receive support under the Knowledge Bank scheme. The next confirmed step is a government decision on the requested amendment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which students are currently covered by the tablet-funding order?
The order provides tablet funding through DBT for students in Classes 10–12 at government schools.
Q. Which students do teachers want included?
The Uttarakhand Secondary Teachers Association wants students in government-aided schools to be included.
Q. Which scheme is involved?
The demand concerns the Knowledge Bank scheme.
Q. When was the Chief Minister’s announcement made?
The association referred to an announcement made on 18 September 2026.
Q. Why does the association support inclusion of aided-school students?
It said aided schools educate many students from poor and middle-class families, as well as academically talented students.
Q. How many meritorious students were mentioned at the meeting?
The association referred to 140 students selected under the Chief Minister Yuva Vidyarthi Manthan programme.
Q. Was the government order changed during the meeting?
No change to the order was announced during the meeting.
