The Rajasthan government has launched a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students in state-run schools. In a move designed to cultivate reading habits, improve language skills, and broaden general awareness, the state has made daily newspaper reading a compulsory activity in all government schools.
Details of the New Educational Directive
According to an official order issued on December 31, students across Rajasthan's government schools will now dedicate at least 10 minutes during the morning assembly to reading newspapers. The directive, which comes from the state's school education department, specifies different requirements based on the type of school. Government senior secondary schools and English-medium schools are instructed to subscribe to a minimum of two newspapers—one in Hindi and one in English. Meanwhile, government upper primary schools must ensure the availability of at least two Hindi newspapers.
The financial aspect of this initiative has been clearly addressed. The Rajasthan School Education Council in Jaipur will bear all expenditure related to these newspaper subscriptions, ensuring no additional burden falls on the schools or students.
A Focus on Language and Analytical Skills
Beyond just reading, the program incorporates a structured approach to learning. Schools have been directed to identify five new words from the newspapers each day and explain their meanings to students. This daily exercise is intended to steadily strengthen vocabulary and language comprehension.
During the morning assemblies, one national-level English newspaper and one Hindi newspaper will be read aloud to the students. Furthermore, the order encourages teachers to divide students class-wise and facilitate discussions on editorials and major developments in national, international, and sporting news. This aspect aims to develop students' ability to understand and analyse news from an early age, familiarising them with current affairs.
Broader Educational Goals and Context
State officials have highlighted that the program is designed with multiple long-term benefits in mind. It is expected not only to improve general knowledge and social awareness but also to better prepare students for competitive examinations, where current affairs play a crucial role.
This step by the Rajasthan government follows a similar directive introduced by the Uttar Pradesh government just a week prior, indicating a growing trend among Indian states to integrate newspaper reading into the formal school routine as a tool for holistic development.
