Government supplies storybooks to boost reading culture in schools

To promote reading habits beyond textbooks and improve language skills from an early age, the government has supplied storybooks and general literature to government school libraries across the district under the Samagra Shiksha programme.

Education officials said that learning restricted to textbooks often reduces students’ interest. Exposure to stories, biographies and other forms of literature helps spark curiosity and strengthens language skills, especially at the primary level. The initiative is aimed at improving learning outcomes from the foundational stage.

Under the programme, 68,002 books procured from reputed publishers, including the National Book Trust and Sahitya Akademi, have been distributed to 566 government schools. Each primary school has received about 400 books, while high schools have been given nearly 1,000 books each. The books are available in multiple languages and cater to different age groups.

The collection includes children’s literature, science and technology, life skills, value education, lifestyle-related content and material useful for competitive examinations. Officials said the books would help students develop creativity, critical thinking and better language proficiency.

Schools have been encouraged to make regular use of their libraries, particularly on “No Bag Day.” Students are allowed to read in the library and borrow books to take home. Teachers also narrate stories and ask students to retell them, a practice that has led to a noticeable increase in interest in reading, teachers said.

Highlighting the importance of libraries in encouraging independent learning, J. Chandrasekhar Rao, Additional Project Coordinator of Samagra Shiksha, said strengthening school-level libraries would help students gain knowledge beyond textbooks. He stressed that teachers should ensure library periods are used effectively and that students are encouraged to read regularly.