The Rajasthan Education Department has announced a new policy making daily newspaper reading mandatory in government schools across the state, a move designed to strengthen pupils’ reading habits, widen their knowledge of current affairs and bolster language skills.
Under the new directive, morning assemblies will include a dedicated 10-minute slot during which students will read selected national, international and sports items, alongside editorials and major developments. In addition, teachers will introduce five new words each day with meanings to enrich pupils’ vocabulary and expression.
Daily newspaper reading in Rajasthan schools
The scheme applies to students from classes 6 to 12, who will take responsibility for presenting the material during assemblies. Orders have been issued by the School Education Secretary and set out clear subscription requirements for state schools: senior secondary schools must subscribe to at least two newspapers, one English and one Hindi; every government upper primary school must subscribe to two Hindi dailies; and English-medium government schools should hold at least one English and one Hindi newspaper.
Officials have stipulated that during each morning assembly one English and one Hindi national-level newspaper should be read aloud, ensuring exposure to a range of perspectives and vocabulary. On designated “No Bag Day” sessions, collective assemblies will be used to discuss current events in greater depth.
“This initiative of the Education Department will provide students with national, international, and sports-related information, while also developing their reading habits,” the School Education Secretary said, underlining the department’s expectation that the policy will expand general knowledge and improve language and expression among pupils.
Education specialists say the practice of regular newspaper reading can have measurable benefits. Short, daily reading sessions are expected to raise comprehension levels and encourage habitual engagement with print media. Introducing new words every day is likely to accelerate vocabulary acquisition and support classroom learning across subjects.
Practical steps for implementation will include allocating time during the morning assembly, assigning student readers, and ensuring subscriptions are in place. The directive also places emphasis on bilingual exposure, which officials view as important in a linguistically diverse state where both Hindi and English play significant roles in higher education and employment.
School administrators are being urged to manage subscriptions within budgetary limits and to integrate the reading programme into existing routines. Where physical newspapers are not readily available, officials have suggested that printouts of selected articles or verified digital editions may be used so that all schools can comply.
Beyond language development, the department frames the policy as part of a broader civic education aim. Regular engagement with news items is intended to nurture aware and informed citizens who can discuss contemporary issues confidently and with nuance.
As the new measure is rolled out, departments will monitor uptake and impact. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other states seeking low-cost methods to improve literacy and civic awareness among young learners.
Key Takeaways:
- Daily newspaper reading in Rajasthan schools will be mandatory during morning assembly, aiming to boost reading habits and current affairs awareness.
- Students in classes 6–12 will lead 10-minute reading sessions and learn five new words daily to strengthen vocabulary.
- Subscription rules require senior secondary and English-medium schools to have both English and Hindi newspapers; upper primary schools must have two Hindi newspapers.
- The initiative seeks to develop informed, confident citizens and improve language and expression skills across state government schools.
