Question : DEVELOPMENT OF READING HABITS

(a) whether the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) had selected some cities for its pilot project to introduce graded self-reading series for children and establishing reading rooms;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) names of the cities where reading rooms have been established;

(d) whether there is any proposal to introduce graded self- reading project in other cities also;

(e) if so, the locations identified therefor and the time by which they are likely to become functional; and

(f) the steps taken to develop reading habits amongst the children?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT(SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.416 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25TH AUGUST, 2010, ASKED BY SHRI GAJANAN D. BABAR AND SHRI ANANDRAO ADSUL REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF READING HABITS

(a) to (f): The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced an ‘Early Reading Programme’ to develop and enhance reading skills amongst children in classes I and II. A Pilot Project has been introduced in 561 schools in five blocks (Chauhmuha, Fareh, Goverdhan, Naujheel, Raya) in Mathura district. Each school has been provided a set of 40 Graded Reading books entitled Barkha Series, and a set of 94 children’s books. Teacher training has been conducted for 1200 teachers to orient them to maintain and use the reading material. NCERT is collaborating with States/UTs to promote early reading programme through orientation of teachers and coordinators. Uttarakhand & Chandigarh have also introduced the Graded Reading Series in classes I and II of all primary schools. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are in the process of procuring the Graded Reading Series.