Overview
- The directive, dated December 23 and signed by Additional Chief Secretary Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, applies to all state-run secondary and basic schools.
- Schools must reserve at least 10 minutes in morning assembly for students to read editorials and major national, international and sports news on a rotational basis.
- Each school library must provide reputable Hindi and English newspapers and ensure easy access for students.
- The order adds a daily word-of-the-day from five difficult terms and encourages school newspapers or magazines, weekly discussions for Classes 9 to 12, and puzzle or quiz contests.
- The guidelines extend a November reading campaign, have been circulated to divisional and district officials for statewide implementation, and aim to improve general knowledge, language skills, critical thinking and resistance to misinformation.