News reading compulsory in Himachal government schools

The Himachal Pradesh state government has made it mandatory for reading news in morning assemblies of the state government schools. On Tuesday, a notification issued by the Education Department made the order official, the goal being to impart general awareness and communications skills to the students.

This move comes in the wake of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's surprise visit last week to Government Senior Secondary School, Baga Sarahan in Kullu district, where an interaction with government school students disappointed him as they were unable to give appropriate responses to questions relating to current affairs. 

A department spokesperson further stated that this move is a follow-up on the directions of the Chief Minister, aimed at improving students' all-around awareness and communication skills.

The initiative was prompted by the Chief Minister who was alarmed at students' minimal exposure to contemporary affairs," he added.

Emphasizing the need for connecting academic information to practical information, the Chief Minister noted that such programs are necessary in preparing students for competitive exams and real challenges.

To make the directive operational, the department has circulated elaborate guidelines to all Deputy Directors and school heads, he added, informing that schools have also been directed to provide regular availability of both English and Hindi newspapers to facilitate the initiative.

These materials will assist students in improving their reading comprehension, vocabulary, pronunciation, and public speaking abilities," the spokesperson continued. "The idea is to encourage confident participation in assemblies and build critical thinking.".

According to the Directorate of School Education Additional Director (Administration) issued notice, the goal is to enhance students' overall general knowledge and awareness of contemporary issues, improve students' reading and speaking abilities, for establishing a habit of staying up to date and aware about the surroundings, to improve the vocabulary skills and pronunciation of the students and to provide a platform for students to speak actively and build confidence.

The guidelines for implementation comprise selection of news for students, with support or direction of a designated teacher and selection of appropriate age and pertinent international, national, state, and sporting news.

"General knowledge, educational developments, environmental issues, scientific developments, and important national or international or state events should be given attention. All efforts should be made to avoid sensational or obscene content," states the notification.

Teachers are directed to oversee the process of reading and selection of news to ensure accuracy, clarity, and appropriateness of content. Where necessary, teachers can also briefly clarify complex news items. Reading the news should be brief, ideally 3-5 minutes to maintain the morning assembly continuity," states the notice.