The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new directive mandating daily newspaper reading in schools, aiming to improve student literacy, general awareness, and critical thinking skills.
Under the initiative, government-run schools across the state have been instructed to allocate dedicated time for students to read newspapers as part of the daily routine. Education officials say the move is designed to strengthen reading habits, expand vocabulary, and encourage students to engage with real-world issues beyond textbooks.
According to the state education department, teachers will guide students in understanding news articles, headlines, and editorials appropriate to their age group. The program is expected to help students improve comprehension skills while also building awareness of current affairs, social issues, and civic responsibilities.
Officials said the initiative aligns with broader education reforms focused on experiential learning and reducing learning gaps that widened during the pandemic years. By integrating newspapers into classrooms, the government hopes to make learning more interactive and relevant, particularly for students in rural and underserved areas.
Educators have largely welcomed the move, noting that regular exposure to newspapers can support language development and analytical thinking. Teachers say discussing news stories in class can encourage questions, debates, and better communication skills among students.
However, some challenges remain. School administrators have raised concerns about ensuring regular access to newspapers, especially in remote regions. Officials said steps are being taken to address distribution issues, including the use of shared copies and digital editions where feasible.
Education experts believe the initiative could also help students develop media literacy, teaching them to distinguish between facts and opinions at an early stage. In an era of widespread misinformation, such skills are increasingly seen as essential.
The state government said it will monitor the program’s implementation and assess its impact on student learning outcomes over time. If successful, the initiative could be expanded or adapted for higher classes and integrated with digital learning tools.
As Uttar Pradesh continues efforts to improve education quality and literacy rates, the daily newspaper reading mandate marks a renewed focus on foundational skills and informed learning within classrooms.
