What does the latest order say

In its latest order, the government said newspapers, along with books, should be made compulsory in the daily reading routine at schools.

Reading newspapers enhances students’ general knowledge and keeps them updated on current affairs, which is essential for future competitive examinations, it was stated, adding it also helps improve their vocabulary and language skills, while exposure to a variety of articles and editorials strengthens their writing ability.

It added that reading newspapers exposes students to diverse viewpoints and analyses, helping them develop critical thinking and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and making them more aware and discerning in the age of fake news. 

Compared to digital screens, reading a physical newspaper also improves students’ focus and patience, it observed. Newspapers further help students stay informed about their local community, events and public projects, connecting them to their surroundings and enabling them to understand how local developments are linked to national and global issues.

The government stated that human-interest stories and reports on social issues published in newspapers help students understand the experiences and challenges of others, nurturing empathy and guiding them towards becoming responsible citizens. 

It also noted that Sudoku, crosswords and word puzzles found in newspapers are not merely a source of entertainment, but help develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Also, the government said students often limit themselves to subjects of personal interest, whereas reading newspapers exposes them to a wider range of topics such as science, culture and sports that they might not otherwise explore. This form of “accidental learning” helps broaden their overall knowledge base.

What must students do

During the dedicated morning assembly slot for “news reading,” students, on a rotational basis, should read aloud key excerpts from editorials and major positive news from the national, international, and sports sections, it said.

The government also directed that each day, five new or challenging words be selected from the newspaper and their meanings explained during the morning assembly. These words should also be displayed on the school board or blackboard along with the “Thought of the Day,” so that students can see them regularly and internalise them naturally. 

Additionally, students should be encouraged to create a monthly or quarterly school newspaper or magazine, taking inspiration from the structure and layout of professional newspapers. The publication should be managed and edited by a team of students and showcase school activities and achievements in the form of news.

Students of Classes 9 to 12 should be encouraged, once a week, to write their original views on an important editorial topic or participate in a group discussion in class. Meanwhile, students of junior classes (Classes 6 to 8) should be motivated to cut out interesting news items — such as those on science, environment, and sports — from newspapers and compile them in a scrapbook.

The government also stated that on one day each week (for example, Saturday), competitions may be organised in classrooms to solve Sudoku, crosswords, or knowledge-based quizzes published in newspapers, aiming to enhance students’ logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Earlier in its previous order, the government had said that to reduce excessive screen time and develop strong reading habits among students, it has become increasingly important to encourage a shift away from mobile phones and social media towards books. 

It is found that students are more engaged with digital screens than with reading, leading to a significant rise in screen time. In this context, fostering reading habits is essential to enhance students’ intellectual and logical abilities and to build a deeper interest in books. To promote this culture of reading, the government directed a series of activities to be organised in government district libraries and schools across the state.

The directives include allowing students of all schools access to government district libraries, issuing at least one out-of-syllabus book per student each week, and encouraging them to present book summaries during school assemblies to improve communication skills. The book should be out of the regular syllabus, such as stories, novels, biographies, or inspirational literature, to foster independent reading habits among students.

Schools have also been asked to organise exposure visits to libraries to familiarise students with their services and usefulness. To promote a reading culture, the government has proposed launching the “No Bouquet, Only Book” campaign, under which books will be given as prizes instead of trophies or mementos at school and library events.

Other activities suggested by the government include setting aside dedicated time for students to share their views and review the books they have read, encouraging them to write and illustrate their own stories, and using creative methods such as puppets and role play to make storytelling more engaging and interactive. Schools have also been asked to organise theme-based reading activities on subjects such as the Constitution, environment, art and culture.