In a significant move to counter the adverse effects of excessive screen time and enhance students' knowledge, the Karnataka Department of School Education and Literacy has mandated that all schools incorporate a 10-minute newspaper reading session into their morning assembly routine. The directive applies to all government, aided, and unaided schools across the state, as well as residential schools, hostels, and childcare institutions run by various government departments.
Background of the Initiative
The decision follows a proposal from the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), which wrote to the school education department in December. The additional chief secretary of the department then directed the commissionerate to examine the matter. The commission highlighted concerns that children today are increasingly engaged with the internet, entertainment content, and social networking platforms, leading to issues such as memory loss, hearing impairment, and reduced interest in physical activity due to excessive mobile phone usage.
Benefits of Newspaper Reading
The letter noted that developing the habit of reading newspapers for at least 10 to 15 minutes daily in schools would help students prepare for competitive exams, increase their general knowledge of current affairs, and improve vocabulary, language style, and writing skills. Consequently, the director of primary education has ordered all schools to implement compulsory reading of Kannada newspapers for 10 minutes every day after morning prayer.
Former KSCPCR chairman Shashidar B emphasized the importance of this initiative in the digital age. "In this digital world, there will be developments every day that children should know about. The commission felt that it is important for children to know what is happening in the world in fields like politics, science, technology, sports, and world events," he said. He added that teachers must be made aware of the new decision, and district-level officials should ensure its implementation. "It can be any newspaper. The purpose is to inculcate the habit of reading newspapers; it can be anyone of their choice," he noted.
Implementation and Impact
The directive is expected to benefit millions of students across Karnataka by fostering a reading culture and reducing dependency on digital devices. Schools are now required to allocate time for this activity, and authorities will monitor compliance. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote holistic development among children and prepare them for academic and competitive success.
