Lucknow: In a significant move to enhance the employability and overall development of youth, the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) has made daily newspaper reading compulsory for trainees enrolled in short-term skill development programs across the state. The initiative aims to benefit over one lakh students undergoing training at nearly 800 skill centres.
Newspaper Reading to Be Integrated into Daily Timetable
As per directives issued by Pulkit Khare, Director of UPSDM, all training centres will now include regular newspaper reading sessions in the daily timetable. The sessions will cover both Hindi and English newspapers, enabling trainees to improve their language skills, general knowledge, and analytical thinking.
“Regular reading of newspapers will help trainees enhance general awareness, prepare better for competitive exams, and develop critical thinking and logical reasoning skills,” said Khare.
Read also: Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Urban Development Projects and Displaced Families Rehabilitation
Focus on Holistic Development and Employability
Kapil Dev Agarwal, Minister for Vocational Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, emphasized that technical skills alone are not enough for youth. “Trainees must also understand social, economic, and global issues,” he said.
The objective of newspaper reading is to:
- Improve self-confidence, communication, and analytical skills
- Enhance employability
- Develop the ability to make informed decisions based on current affairs
Coverage Across Schemes and Training Centres
The new directive applies to all batches under:
- State Skill Development Fund (SSDF)
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
- Project Praveen
Training Providers (TPs) and Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) will be required to provide at least one Hindi and one English newspaper daily at each centre.
Developing Language, Analytical, and Life Skills
UPSDM officials stated that studying editorials, feature articles, and news reports will help trainees:
- Improve vocabulary, language style, and expression of ideas
- Gain critical insights for better decision-making
- Cultivate concentration, patience, and sensitivity through puzzles, cultural articles, and inspirational stories
Strict Implementation and Monitoring
For effective implementation, district coordinators, MIS managers, and other officers have been instructed to monitor this activity during monthly inspections. The progress and participation of trainees in newspaper reading sessions must be clearly reported, ensuring accountability across all skill centres.
Impact on Youth and Skill Development
This initiative is expected to transform the learning experience of trainees, complementing technical skill training with enhanced general knowledge, analytical thinking, and communication abilities. UPSDM believes that integrating newspaper reading will not only help youth in competitive exams but also prepare them for real-world challenges, making them more confident and employable.
