Mon Dec 29 04:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has issued directives mandating newspaper reading in all primary and upper-primary schools. This is aimed at fostering a reading culture, reducing screen time, and improving students’ vocabulary, general knowledge, social awareness, and analytical skills. Schools are required to provide English and Hindi newspapers in libraries and dedicate at least 10 minutes daily for students to read and discuss news. Students will take turns reading news, editorials, and identifying new vocabulary. The government also encourages creative writing, group discussions, and news clipping albums. Further emphasizing book reading, the government has previously mandated library visits and book reading, promoting books as gifts instead of flowers or trophies.
News Article:
Uttar Pradesh Schools to Mandate Daily Newspaper Reading to Boost Student Knowledge and Skills
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – In a move to bolster students’ general knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills, the Uttar Pradesh government has mandated daily newspaper reading in all primary and upper-primary schools across the state. New guidelines, issued on November 23rd, require schools to integrate newspaper reading into the daily routine.
The initiative is designed to cultivate a stronger reading culture among students and reduce their reliance on electronic devices. Schools are now directed to provide both English and Hindi newspapers in their libraries and dedicate a minimum of ten minutes each day for students to engage with the news.
“During this time, students will take turns reading out important national, international, and sports news, as well as key points from editorials,” explained a statement from the UP Department of Education. “Furthermore, five difficult words from the newspapers will be identified daily and displayed on notice boards to enhance students’ vocabulary.”
The government believes that regular newspaper reading will not only improve students’ understanding of current affairs but also enhance their social awareness, analytical abilities, and preparedness for competitive exams. They also hope the initiative will encourage awareness of and ability to identify false information.
Beyond simply reading newspapers, the guidelines encourage schools to foster creativity by promoting independent newspaper and book creation, as well as editorial-style writing. Group discussions for students in grades 9-12 and the creation of news clipping albums are also recommended.
This initiative builds on earlier efforts by the UP government to promote reading. A previous order instructed students to visit government libraries and read at least one non-syllabus related book per week, with certificates of appreciation awarded to outstanding readers. The government has also advocated for books to be given as gifts and prizes at school events, replacing traditional flowers and trophies.
The Department of Education has instructed all schools to strictly implement these directives, marking a significant investment in nurturing well-informed and critically thinking students.
First Piper 