10-Minute Newspaper Reading Made Mandatory in All Rajasthan Government Schools

In its effort to produce students that are sensitive to the society and possess the skills of communication and are well informed, the Rajasthan Government has ordered all the government schools to include in their daily programme a 10 minute newspaper reading session. This new regulation targets at helping the students understand the happenings in the world around them, thus, improving their language skills and inculcating the habit of reading from an early age.

According to guidelines issued by the School Education Department, newspaper reading will be integrated into the daily school routine and conducted during the morning prayer assembly. The directive specifies that higher secondary government schools must subscribe to at least two newspapers—one in Hindi and one in English. Government higher primary schools are required to order two Hindi newspapers, while English-medium government schools must ensure the availability of both Hindi and English dailies.

School Education Department Secretary Krishna Kunal, in the official order, stated that students will read major editorials, important national and international news, and sports reports. To enhance vocabulary and comprehension, five new words along with their meanings will be introduced daily. Students from Classes 6 to 12 will actively participate by reading selected news items and editorials aloud, encouraging confidence, articulation, and public speaking skills. Students assigned the reading duty will be required to arrive at school 30 minutes earlier to prepare for the session. On designated ‘No Bag Days’, schools will organize mass discussions on current government initiatives and key issues, turning news consumption into interactive learning.

Education officials pointed out that the program is aimed at enticing students to take an interest in the news and public affairs, extend their general knowledge and improve their language skills. "It will definitely have a positive influence on students' social awareness, prepare them for competitive exams and help them acquire the skill of critical thinking, " a spokesperson of the Department said.

Secretary Krishna Kunal also pointed out that the new academic initiative is one of many that are designed to nurture a lifelong reading habit, which in turn, will develop students into aware, thoughtful, and self, confident citizens. With newspapers being a regular feature in classrooms across the state, Rajasthan is not only upgrading the educational system but also emphasizing schools' indispensable role in the intellectual and social development of the young, who consequently become more in sync with the world surrounding them.