The Uttar Pradesh education department has introduced the Super 20 and Super 30 Reading Campaign in government schools to further strengthen reading habits among students. This initiative follows a previous directive to reduce screen time and make newspaper reading compulsory.
Champion Reader of the Year Award
Students who read the maximum number of books will be declared 'Champion Reader of the Year' and will be felicitated at the school level. Additional Chief Secretary of Basic and Secondary Education, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, has instructed all education officers to award primary students reading 20 or more books as 'Super 20 Readers', and upper primary and secondary students reading 30 or more books as 'Super 30 Readers'.
Reading Clubs and Author Interactions
Primary and secondary schools have been directed to form reading clubs to develop critical and logical skills among children. Sharma has also asked schools to invite local authors and literary figures for interactions with students. Furthermore, officials and schools are to present books as gifts at award ceremonies instead of mementos or bouquets.
Morning Assembly Activities
Schools must ensure the availability of newspapers and conduct regular reading of news and discussions on key articles during the morning assembly. According to Sharma, this aims to foster preparation for competitive exams, enrich language and vocabulary, cultivate critical and logical thinking, enhance concentration, and promote community engagement, social awareness, and sensitivity among students, thereby broadening their knowledge.
Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) Activity
One class period each week will be designated for a 'Drop Everything and Read' (DEAR) activity, during which head teachers, teachers, and students will read books, stories, magazines, or other materials of their choice.
Monthly Reading Quiz Festival
Schools are also required to organize a reading quiz festival every month based on the stories, books, children's literature, picture books, newspapers, and other materials read by students. All participating students will be awarded prizes to encourage further reading.
