Yogi govt intensifies efforts to strengthen reading culture in schools

Focus on accelerating ‘Newspaper Reading’ and Reading Culture campaigns in council and secondary schools

Instructions issued for effective implementation of activities like Reading Hour, DEAR Campaign, and Reading Challenge

Emphasis on developing reading habits, language proficiency, logical thinking, and creative expression among children

Directions issued at the Additional Chief Secretary level to ensure personal and dedicated efforts by all officials

Lucknow, May 2026 : The Yogi government is now placing special emphasis on strengthening the reading culture in council and secondary schools to develop reading habits, language proficiency, and creative thinking among children.

On the occasion of the commencement of the academic session 2026-27, comprehensive guidelines have once again been issued for the effective implementation of previously released instructions related to ‘Reading Culture’ and ‘Newspaper Reading’, so that a positive reading environment can be developed in schools.

Additional Chief Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education, Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma, had already issued extensive instructions to promote reading culture, newspaper reading, and reading activities in schools.

Now, to ensure the effective implementation of these directions, all DIET principals, Assistant Directors (Basic), Basic Shiksha Adhikaris, Block Education Officers, and other officials have been specifically instructed to ensure personal and dedicated efforts to promote reading activities in schools.

The Yogi government is now focusing not only on curriculum-based education in council and secondary schools but also on developing students’ reading habits and strengthening their language proficiency, communication skills, logical thinking, and creative expression.

This includes regular Reading Hours in schools, availability of newspapers, news reading during morning assemblies, and motivating children toward book reading.

This is why activities such as ‘Newspaper Reading’, ‘Reading Hour’, and ‘Reducing Screen Time’ are now being implemented with greater seriousness.

These activities will be conducted regularly and effectively to create a positive reading environment in every school.

Special emphasis has also been placed on the effective implementation of the ‘DEAR’ (Drop Everything And Read) campaign in schools.

Under this initiative, students, teachers, and principals will read books of their choice during a designated time every week.

In addition, activities such as the ‘Super-20’ Reading Challenge at the primary level and the ‘Super-30’ Reading Challenge at the upper primary level will also be conducted regularly.

Instructions have been issued to honor and encourage students who complete the prescribed number of books.

At the school level, the student reading the highest number of books will be declared the ‘Champion Reader of the Year’ and rewarded accordingly.

The government’s intention is that students should not remain limited to book reading alone, but should also strengthen their independent writing skills and creative thinking.

Under this initiative, students will be encouraged to undertake writing tasks and creative activities based on the books, stories, and newspapers they read. Special emphasis has also been placed on organizing writing competitions at the school level.