The Rajasthan government has introduced a new initiative making daily newspaper reading compulsory in all government schools. The move aims to encourage reading habits among students, enhance vocabulary, and increase general awareness from an early age.
According to a December 31 order, students are required to spend at least ten minutes reading newspapers during the morning assembly. The programme is designed to familiarize students with current events and help them develop skills to understand and analyze news. Officials believe this early exposure will support both academic growth and awareness of national and international developments.
The directive from the School Education Department applies to government senior secondary and English-medium schools, which must subscribe to at least two newspapers—one in Hindi and one in English. Upper primary schools must ensure availability of a minimum of two Hindi newspapers. The Rajasthan School Education Council, Jaipur, will cover all expenses related to newspaper subscriptions.
Schools are also instructed to identify five new words from newspapers daily and explain their meanings to students. This exercise is intended to strengthen language skills. During morning assemblies, one national-level English newspaper and one Hindi newspaper will be read aloud to students.
Students will be divided class-wise and encouraged to read and discuss editorials, as well as major national, international, and sporting news. Teachers are expected to guide discussions, helping students analyze issues and form opinions. Officials stated that the programme is not only aimed at improving general knowledge and social awareness but also at better preparing students for competitive examinations in the future.
This initiative in Rajasthan comes a week after Uttar Pradesh implemented a similar order in government schools, making newspaper reading mandatory. Education authorities hope that both measures will cultivate a culture of informed reading and critical thinking among young learners.
By incorporating newspapers into daily routines, the state aims to bridge gaps in awareness and promote lifelong learning habits. Schools are encouraged to monitor participation and ensure that students actively engage with the content rather than reading passively.
The programme reflects a broader focus on improving literacy, knowledge of current affairs, and language proficiency in public education. Officials have emphasized that regular exposure to newspapers will help students stay informed, enhance analytical skills, and develop a better understanding of societal issues.
