In a statewide initiative, the Maharashtra government launched a 15-day campaign yesterday, from January 1 aimed at promoting reading culture among students. This was announced earlier by the Higher and Technical Education Minister of Maharashtra Chandrakant Patil when he assumed the charge. College students will be asked to read books other than their textbooks. The colleges and universities are instructed to hold events and competitions related to reading. Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Department issued a government resolution (GR) providing detailed information about the 15-day campaign, which is now held annually in January. According to the GR, this initiative will include various activities aimed at motivating students to read, such as group reading sessions, story-telling, book discussions, workshops, competitions, and book reviews. Committees at various levels will oversee the campaign, ensuring that the activities are carried out effectively throughout the state. At a special event, the final winners of various activities will be honoured.