The Bihar government launched a programme called “Bodhi Vriksha Karyakram” to improve the levels of reading in early grades. For reading to improve, children need lots and lots of books which stimulate their imagination, open up their minds and interest then to read more and more. The government utilized 2% of the funds given to them through Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to buy books and resources for students of Stds 1 and 2. They invited a few publishers (including Pratham Books) to participate in Pustak Melas held in 37 districts of Bihar from November 23, 2008 to January 7, 2009. the schools were encouraged to come to these melas and buy books for the children of their school.

The Bihar government's initiative is a model that can easily be replicated in other states to improve reading levels among young students. Initiatives such as these will put a book in every child’s hand and enable us to make India a reading country.