In a move aimed at strengthening foundational learning and real-world awareness among students, the Rajasthan government has made newspaper reading mandatory in government schools across the state. Officials said the initiative is designed not only to improve students’ general knowledge and social awareness but also to help them prepare more effectively for competitive examinations in the future.

Under the new programme, students will be encouraged to read newspapers regularly as part of their school routine. Teachers will guide students in understanding news content, discussing important national and international developments, and developing the habit of critical reading. The initiative is expected to be implemented in a structured manner, with age-appropriate content for different classes.

Education department officials said that newspapers offer a practical and accessible way to connect classroom learning with real-world events. Regular exposure to current affairs, they believe, will help students develop a broader perspective on social, economic, political, and environmental issues. This, in turn, can foster analytical thinking and informed opinion-building from an early age.

A key objective of the programme is to support students who aspire to appear for competitive examinations such as civil services, banking, defence, and state-level recruitment tests. These exams place significant emphasis on current affairs, general knowledge, and comprehension skills. By introducing newspaper reading at the school level, the government aims to reduce the gap faced by students from government schools when competing with peers from more resource-rich backgrounds.

Teachers will play a central role in the success of the initiative. Schools have been instructed to allocate specific time slots for newspaper reading and discussion. Educators will help students identify important news, understand complex topics in simple language, and relate news events to their textbooks. Group discussions and short presentations may also be used to improve communication and confidence.

The programme also seeks to cultivate reading habits at a time when digital distractions are increasing. Officials noted that while online news is widely available, newspapers encourage focused reading and structured information consumption. For many students in rural and economically weaker areas, newspapers remain a reliable and affordable source of information.

Parents and education experts have largely welcomed the move, calling it a step toward holistic education. They say early exposure to newspapers can improve vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills, while also nurturing curiosity about the world beyond textbooks.

However, some challenges remain, including ensuring the regular availability of newspapers in all schools and training teachers to effectively integrate news reading into daily lessons. The education department has said it will monitor implementation closely and make adjustments where needed.

Overall, the Rajasthan government’s decision reflects a broader push to make education more practical, inclusive, and future-oriented. By mandating newspaper reading in government schools, the state aims to empower students with knowledge, awareness, and confidence—skills that extend far beyond the classroom and into lifelong learning.