Himachal Schools to Begin Day with Daily News Reading: Education Dept Issues Mandate.
Shimla:
In a significant move aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and practical awareness, the Himachal Pradesh Education Department has mandated the daily reading of news during morning assemblies in all government schools across the state.
A spokesperson for the department announced today that written instructions have been issued to all Deputy Directors to ensure the immediate and strict implementation of the directive. The decision comes in the wake of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s recent surprise visit to the Government Senior Secondary School in Baga Sarahan, Kullu district.
During his interaction with students, the Chief Minister reportedly expressed concern over their limited awareness of current events and underlined the urgent need to instill general knowledge and practical understanding alongside regular academic education. “We must prepare our students not only for exams but for life,” he emphasized.
The Education Department, acting swiftly on the Chief Minister’s directive, has outlined comprehensive guidelines to integrate news reading into the daily routine of schools. All school heads have been instructed to ensure the availability of newspapers in both English and Hindi. These newspapers are to be used during the morning assembly, where students will take turns reading news aloud before their peers.
“The initiative is not just about reading headlines,” the spokesperson clarified. “It is designed to enhance students’ reading comprehension, vocabulary, pronunciation, and public speaking abilities. Over time, it will help build confidence and encourage meaningful participation in discussions.”
Apart from linguistic and communication benefits, the move is also intended to cultivate critical thinking and informed citizenship among students. Teachers have been encouraged to guide discussions on major national and international developments, fostering analytical skills and awareness of socio-political issues.
“In an era where information is abundant yet often unchecked, it is essential that our students learn how to navigate and interpret news critically,” the spokesperson added. “This initiative will help create a habit of staying informed and develop deeper engagement with the world around them.”
The department views this step as a crucial element in the holistic development of students and a practical aid in preparing them for competitive examinations and real-life challenges.
