News reading has been made a compulsory part of morning assemblies in government schools across Himachal Pradesh. The move, formalised through a notification by the Directorate of School Education, aims to improve students’ general awareness, communication skills, vocabulary, and public speaking abilities.
The directive follows Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s recent visit to Government Senior Secondary School in Baga Sarahan, Kullu, where students were unable to answer basic current affairs questions. Concerned by their lack of awareness, the Chief Minister instructed the Education Department to introduce a structured initiative to bridge the knowledge gap.
A Wake-Up Call for Practical Learning
Chief Minister Sukhu’s visit highlighted a growing concern: despite academic instruction, many students remain unaware of the world around them. In response, the education department acted swiftly, introducing news reading as a daily feature in school assemblies.
A spokesperson from the department confirmed that the step aims to go beyond textbook education. “The focus is on helping students engage with current events, improve their public speaking, and develop confidence,” the official said.
Guidelines for Implementation
To ensure effective rollout, detailed instructions have been shared with Deputy Directors and school heads across the state. Schools are now required to organise a brief news reading session during each morning assembly, lasting about three to five minutes.
Students will be responsible for selecting news items, guided by teachers who will help ensure the content is appropriate and age-relevant. Coverage will include important international, national, state, and sports news. Emphasis will be given to educational developments, environmental issues, science and technology, and significant global or local events. Sensational or inappropriate topics are strictly prohibited.
Teachers are expected to supervise the selection and presentation of the news. Where necessary, they may explain complex news items to ensure understanding and engagement.
Resources and Language Accessibility
To support this effort, schools have been instructed to provide access to both Hindi and English newspapers. This will help students improve their reading comprehension and pronunciation in both languages, while also expanding their vocabulary. The hope is that consistent exposure to news will foster a habit of staying informed.
The department believes that regular engagement with newspapers will not only help students academically but also prepare them for competitive exams and interviews, where current affairs knowledge and communication skills are often tested.
Confidence Through Participation
A key aspect of this initiative is student participation. Rotational reading ensures that different students get the opportunity to present, which helps build public speaking skills and stage confidence over time.
The aim is to make the morning assembly a space where students don’t just passively listen but actively contribute. Through regular practice, students are expected to become more articulate, confident, and curious about the world around them.
A Step Towards Holistic Education
This policy reflects the state’s broader push towards practical, holistic education. By integrating news reading into daily school life, Himachal Pradesh hopes to nurture well-rounded students who are not only academically capable but also socially aware and expressive.
As the new routine becomes part of everyday learning, its success will rely on committed implementation and involvement from both students and educators. If done right, this small change in morning assemblies could have a lasting impact on how students see and engage with the world.
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