In a bid to cultivate reading habits and enhance general knowledge among students, the Uttar Pradesh government has mandated newspaper reading in all state-run secondary and basic schools. The order, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Basic and Secondary Education) Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma on December 23rd, 2025, directs schools to integrate newspapers, both English and Hindi, into their daily reading culture. This initiative follows an earlier order in November that discussed methods to instill reading habits in students.
The new directive aims to reduce excessive screen time among students and connect them with the real world, covering current affairs, science, culture, and society. The government believes that education extends beyond textbooks and is deeply rooted in everyday life. By promoting the habit of reading physical newspapers, the initiative seeks to enhance students' focus and concentration.
Under the new guidelines, schools will allocate a 10-minute slot for "news reading" from newspapers during the daily morning assembly. Students, on a rotational basis, will read out the main points of editorial articles and significant positive news from national, international, and sports events. This practice is expected to improve students' vocabulary, language expression, and general knowledge. Teachers will guide students through news stories, explain new words, and encourage simple discussions to develop balanced skills in speaking, writing, and logical thinking.
Furthermore, students in Classes 6 to 12 will be required to collect important news cuttings, maintain scrapbooks, participate in weekly discussions on editorial articles, and analyze news reports. These activities are designed to build strong reading habits, improve understanding, and encourage students to express their thoughts clearly. The Education Department has also directed schools to organize quizzes, puzzles, and news-based activities on Saturdays to make learning engaging and fun.
The government hopes that learning from real-life events alongside academic books will better prepare students for competitive examinations. Reading newspapers will broaden their knowledge in areas such as science, culture, history, the environment, and sports, and will strengthen comprehension, memory, and confidence in participating in discussions and debates. By reading local news and reports on development work, students will also gain awareness of issues in their communities, fostering social awareness, a sense of responsibility, and the values of informed and responsible citizenship.
The initiative has been welcomed by educators who recognize the numerous benefits of newspaper reading for students. Regular newspaper reading enhances reading and comprehension skills, builds vocabulary, promotes critical thinking, and increases general knowledge. It also exposes students to different perspectives, improves their writing skills, and prepares them for future careers. Moreover, it helps them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them, fostering social responsibility.
