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LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government has made newspaper reading compulsory for students of all state-run secondary and basic schools to cultivate reading habits, reduce screen time and develop critical, and logical thinking skills among them.An order issued by additional chief secretary (basic and secondary education) Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, on December 23 says newspapers, both English and Hindi, should be made an integral part of the daily reading culture of schools.This is in continuation of an earlier order in November, which had discussed ways to inculcate reading culture among students. Discouraging excess screen time, the December 23 order advises students to read “physical” newspapers as it would help them enhance their focus and concentration.”A 10-minute slot should be allocated for ‘news reading’ from newspapers during the daily morning assembly. Students, on a rotational basis, will read out the main points of editorial articles and major positive news from national, international, and sports events,” says the December 23 order.
Asked about the directive, Sen Sharma told TOI: “These are directions as well as advice, to be followed by state-run schools, but others can also follow if they find sense.” The order lists manifold benefits of regular newspaper reading. “To begin with, it will strengthen students’ GK and understanding of current affairs, which is extremely important for future competitive examinations. Second, regular reading improves vocabulary and language style. Reading various types of articles and editorials develops their writing skills.”Sen Sharma stressed that reading diverse perspectives “develops critical thinking and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong in students, making them aware in the era of fake news”.Another benefit of reading newspapers is that students become aware of their local community, events, and public projects. “This connects them to their surroundings and helps them understand how local events are connected to national and global issues,” the order states.In addition, human interest stories and news related to social issues published in newspapers help students understand the experiences and challenges of others. This develops empathy in them and guides them towards becoming responsible citizens. Sudoku, crosswords, and word puzzles available in newspapers are not just for entertainment; they train students’ brains for logical challenges and problem-solving, the order says.The order says students focus on favourite subjects, while newspapers exposes them to science, culture and sports.
