BIG move by Yogi govt as all UP schools must now do THIS, the move aims to…

In a significant move to boost “reading culture” among young students, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has issued directions to all schools across the state to incorporate newspaper reading as a mandatory daily activity.

What does the order say?

As per a December 23 order issued by the Additional Chief Secretary (Secondary and Basic Primary Education) Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, all secondary and basic primary schools must ensure that both Hindi and English newspapers are available in school libraries.

The order, which aims to strengthen “reading culture” among students and reducing excessive screen time, mandates that “at least 10 minutes must be dedicated daily during morning assembly for newspaper reading. During this time, students will read out key editorials and major news developments from national, international and sports news on a rotational basis.”

Schools have also been asked to introduce a “word of the day” exercise, where five difficult words from newspapers will be selected and displayed on the notice board to enhance vocabulary.

Why UP govt launched newspaper reading initiative in schools?

According to the order, the initiative will not only improve students’ general knowledge, vocabulary, critical thinking, concentration and social awareness, but also prepare them better for competitive exams and sensitise them against fake news.

The order also directs schools to encourage students to take up various related activities such as publishing their own school newspapers or magazines, holding editorial-based writing or group discussions for Classes nine to 12, and hosting crossword and Sudoku competitions. They are urged to promote scrapbook-making using news cuttings among junior students.

“The instructions are in continuation of a previous order issued on November 2, under which the state had launched a broader reading campaign to inculcate book-reading habits among students and curb excessive use of mobile phones and social media,” as per officials.

The order allowed students’ access to government district libraries, made it mandatory for them to issue at least one non-syllabus book every week, and introduced incentives such as appreciation certificates for avid readers. It also launched the “No Bouquet, Only Book” campaign, under which books would be gifted instead of trophies at school functions.

Both orders have been circulated to all divisional education officials, district inspectors of schools and basic education officers, with strict instructions to ensure full implementation across the state, senior officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)