The Assam Government reading incentives initiative gained major attention during the Nalbari Book Fair as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced new measures to encourage reading habits among students and citizens. The fair, organized to celebrate Assam’s literary heritage, became a platform for the state government to introduce policies aimed at improving literacy and fostering a strong reading culture. The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of books in shaping critical thinking and creativity, especially among the younger generation.
Read More: Tripura CM Saha Confirms Poll Readiness After SC Verdict
Addressing the crowd at the fair’s inauguration, Sarma said that the government’s focus is not only on academic excellence but also on promoting intellectual growth. He emphasized that reading remains the foundation of all learning, and building a culture that values books is essential for a progressive society. The new program includes scholarships, book vouchers, and school library upgrades to make reading accessible and engaging.
Reading as a Tool for Empowerment
The Assam Government reading incentives program aims to empower students and youth through knowledge. According to the Chief Minister, reading develops independent thinking and helps young people become more informed and responsible citizens. He said that the government would collaborate with educational institutions to distribute free book coupons to students attending government schools.
Sarma mentioned that each student in classes eight to twelve will receive a voucher worth Rs 500, redeemable at government-recognized book fairs and local bookstores. The initiative seeks to provide access to books beyond academic textbooks, covering literature, science, history, and culture. He also announced that public libraries across Assam would be modernized with digital facilities to make learning more interactive.
The Chief Minister urged parents and teachers to encourage children to spend more time reading physical books rather than relying entirely on digital platforms. “Technology can support learning, but books shape imagination and values,” he said. The message resonated with educators and authors attending the event, who praised the state’s effort to revive Assam’s long-standing literary traditions.
Boosting Local Literature and Authors
A significant part of the Assam Government reading incentives plan includes promoting Assamese writers and local publications. The government has allocated funds to purchase books written by regional authors for school and college libraries. Sarma said that literature written in one’s mother tongue strengthens cultural identity and helps preserve the region’s linguistic diversity.
He also announced a special grant for young authors under the “Read Assam, Write Assam” campaign. The grant aims to support emerging writers and publishers who contribute to Assamese and regional literature. The Chief Minister stated that such measures would encourage creativity while providing financial stability to authors who dedicate their lives to storytelling and cultural expression.
Local publishing houses welcomed the announcement, noting that it could significantly boost the state’s publishing industry. Many publishers at the Nalbari Book Fair said that more readers and library purchases would ensure that writers’ works reach a wider audience, giving new life to Assam’s literary ecosystem.
Encouraging Reading Through Community Programs
The state government also plans to involve communities in promoting reading habits. Under the Assam Government reading incentives initiative, local councils and NGOs will host monthly reading camps and storytelling sessions in rural areas. These programs will target children who have limited access to schools and libraries.
Sarma highlighted that literacy is not just about reading textbooks but about building curiosity and knowledge. He urged volunteers to visit villages and organize mobile book libraries, especially in remote regions. To support these efforts, the government will provide financial assistance to organizations that actively promote reading through outreach programs.
Cultural centers in districts like Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Nalbari will also be turned into reading hubs where people can borrow books and attend workshops on literature and creative writing. The Chief Minister said that these centers would bridge the gap between urban and rural readers, helping every citizen develop a love for books.
Nalbari Book Fair as a Cultural Celebration
The Nalbari Book Fair, one of Assam’s major literary festivals, showcased thousands of titles from regional and national publishers. This year, the fair’s theme focused on “Reading for Growth,” aligning with the government’s new literacy mission. The event drew participation from students, writers, educators, and book enthusiasts from across the state.
During the fair, discussions were held on how to strengthen libraries and reading habits in schools. Eminent writers from Assam shared their experiences and spoke about the importance of preserving regional literature. The government’s decision to tie the fair with its reading incentives program turned it into more than just a marketplace—it became a movement for literacy and learning.
Sarma praised the organizers for creating a platform that connects authors with readers. He said that such events reflect Assam’s intellectual vibrancy and its people’s deep respect for learning. The Chief Minister assured that the state would continue to support literary fairs and festivals to inspire future generations.
Toward a Literate and Enlightened Assam
The Assam Government reading incentives initiative represents a strong step toward building a literate, thoughtful, and culturally aware society. By linking education with literature, the state aims to create citizens who value learning as a lifelong journey. Sarma said that reading develops empathy and critical thinking—qualities essential for building a peaceful and progressive state.
He concluded his speech by saying, “When our children read, they dream bigger. When a society reads, it grows stronger.” His words reflected a clear vision of transforming Assam into a state where books are accessible to all and reading is celebrated as a shared value.
As the Nalbari Book Fair closed with record attendance, it left behind a renewed enthusiasm for reading and cultural pride. The government’s continued efforts to promote books and authors mark a hopeful chapter for Assam’s literary future—one where knowledge, creativity, and unity come together through the power of reading.
Read More: 5 foods to pair with amla to boost immunity naturally