Karnataka’s Education Department has directed schools to set aside 10 to 15 minutes during the morning assembly for students to read newspaper reports. The decision has triggered fresh expectations that Tamil Nadu could consider a similar step.
The push comes amid concerns that reading habits have been declining in recent years, with students spending more time on the internet, social media, films and video games. The report argues that excessive screen time is also reducing outdoor play and affecting overall physical fitness.
It further links these lifestyle changes to issues such as vision and hearing problems, weaker memory and a rise in early health complaints. The overall warning is that an unhealthy future generation could emerge if the trend continues.
In its circular, Karnataka’s Education Department said the daily reading practice can improve memory, boost general knowledge and make it easier for students to prepare for competitive examinations. It also claimed the routine could strengthen discipline and self-control among students.
The article notes that Uttar Pradesh issued a similar order last year, and questions why Tamil Nadu has not introduced such a mandate so far. It suggests making newspaper reading compulsory in schools and assessing students through questions based on what they read.
