The Uttar Pradesh government has issued a new directive making daily newspaper reading mandatory for students in all secondary and basic primary schools across the state. The initiative, announced by Additional Chief Secretary Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma on December 23, 2025, aims to promote a reading culture, reduce screen time, and enhance students’ language, general awareness, and critical thinking skills.
Key Highlights of the Newspaper Reading Initiative
- Mandatory Daily Reading: Students must dedicate at least 10 minutes during morning assembly to read newspapers.
- Languages Covered: Both Hindi and English newspapers will be available in school libraries.
- Vocabulary Building: A ‘word of the day’ exercise will feature five difficult words from newspapers displayed on notice boards.
- Rotational Reading: Students will read editorials and major news from national, international, and sports sections in a rotational manner.
Classroom Activities by Grade
Additional Measures to Encourage Reading
- Students will have access to government district libraries and must issue at least one non-syllabus book weekly.
- Schools are encouraged to publish their own newspapers.
- Competitions like crosswords and Sudoku will be conducted to enhance logical thinking.
Objectives of the Initiative
- Improve Confidence and Pronunciation: Reading aloud during assemblies boosts oral skills.
- Enhance General Awareness: Students stay updated on current events and news.
- Develop Critical Thinking: Analyzing editorials helps sharpen reasoning skills.
- Prepare for Competitive Exams: Early exposure to diverse topics aids future exam readiness.
- Identify Fake News: Students learn to discern credible news sources.
This directive reflects Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to holistic education and practical learning strategies, combining reading, discussion, and creative exercises to nurture well-rounded students. By embedding this habit in daily school routines, the state aims to cultivate knowledgeable, confident, and analytical learners ready for future challenges.
