India Post suspends subsidised delivery of books: A crisis for readers and writers

Books are the lifeblood of any thinking society. They inspire imagination, foster critical thinking, and act as the foundation for education and intellectual discourse. Yet, a recent move by India Post—the suspension of its subsidised delivery service for books and magazines—threatens to sever access to this lifeblood, particularly for students, rural readers, and budget-conscious book enthusiasts.

This decision isn’t just about rising postal costs; it is a symbol of society and the government turning their backs on books in favour of screens. Let us examine how this policy change is impacting the nation’s reading culture and what steps can be taken to mitigate this crisis.

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What does the suspension of subsidised books and magazine delivery mean?

Earlier,most print magazines were circulated through the concept of book post. A cheaper,reasonably priced way to reach out information to curious readers.

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What was Book Post, and why did it matter?

For decades, India Post offered the "Book Post" service, an affordable way to send books and magazines across the country. This service was unique—it allowed for unwrapped books to be sent at subsidised rates, making it accessible for rural areas where libraries and bookstores are scarce.

Imagine a student in a remote village ordering a rare textbook from a seller in another state. Through Book Post, that book could reach the student at a minimal cost. For publishers and authors, it was a lifeline to reach readers nationwide without breaking the bank. However, with its discontinuation, buyers and sellers must now use regular postal services at significantly higher costs, burdening both parties.

What are the new costs of Sending books?

The removal of Book Post has brought a significant spike in postal costs.

• Old Rates: Sending a book under 500 grams used to cost Rs. 29, including GST.
• New Rates: The same package now costs nearly Rs. 59 under registered parcel services—a 103% increase.

This is a hard pill to swallow for many readers and publishers in a market already sensitive to price changes. The hidden costs of packaging (books must now be securely wrapped per parcel guidelines) add another layer of financial strain.

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What role did the Post Office Act of 2023 play?

In December 2024, the Post Office Act of 2023 officially replaced the Indian Post Office Act of 1898. Among its provisions was the elimination of the Book Post service. While the government justified the decision as a means to modernise postal services, the consequences have been anything but progressive.

Key provisions of the Act prioritise profitability over accessibility, aligning with private courier services that already charge exorbitant rates. Critics argue that this shift undermines the very ethos of India Post as a public service institution.

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Who suffers most from this decision?

Did you know that correspondence courses, introduced by the government were largely depedent on book post? You would enroll in an educational course and the institute would send you study material via book post. Even prospectus, forms, etc,  were routed through book post in what now  looks like a different era.

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Are students the forgotten victims?

The Book Post service wasn’t just for novels and magazines—it played a crucial role in the education sector. Students, especially those in rural or semi-urban areas, often relied on this service to acquire textbooks, guides, and reference materials.

With rising postal costs, these students now face:

• Limited access: Rural students often depend on books sent from cities, as local bookstores seldom stock diverse titles.
• Financial strain: A single book order could cost twice as much in postage fees.

Without affordable delivery options, the gap between urban and rural education is likely to widen, leaving the next generation of thinkers and leaders at a disadvantage.

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What about rural communities?

Rural areas face a double blow. Unlike cities, where bookstores and libraries offer alternatives, rural communities depend almost entirely on postal services to access books. India Post’s extensive reach has been its greatest strength, covering every pincode in the country—a feat private courier companies cannot match.

With the discontinuation of Book Post, rural readers are effectively cut off from affordable access to:

• Educational material for self-study and examinations.
• Cultural books and magazines that connect them to national discourse.
• Affordable fiction and non-fiction for leisure reading.

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Are authors and publishers reaping what they sowed?

It’s an uncomfortable truth: many authors and publishers have vocally supported the current regime, aligning themselves with its policies for prestige or financial gain. However, the government’s decisions—such as increased GST on printing services, paper, and now this postal policy—have come back to haunt them.

While established publishers might absorb some of the financial burden, smaller publishers and independent authors are struggling to survive in an already saturated market. The irony? Those who once cheered for policies catering to the elite are now witnessing their industry’s slow collapse.

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The closure of libraries in India: A grim reality

While the suspension of subsidised book delivery is a troubling development, it’s not an isolated incident. Across India, libraries are being shuttered at an alarming rate, often justified as an effort to “free up” real estate for more “productive” uses. This reflects a disturbing trend where books are seen as obsolete relics in the digital age, and the cultural value of libraries is undermined in favour of commercial interests.

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Why are libraries being closed in India?

Libraries, once the intellectual hubs of communities, are increasingly being viewed as liabilities rather than assets. The reasons for closures include:

1. Real Estate pressures:

   • Prime urban locations occupied by libraries are being repurposed for shopping malls, corporate offices, or residential complexes.
   • State governments and local authorities justify this as a way to generate revenue.

2. Neglect and underfunding:

   • Many libraries in smaller towns and cities suffer from poor maintenance, lack of funding, and outdated collections, making them less appealing to the public.
   • With dwindling visitors, authorities see no reason to invest in their upkeep.

3. Perceived irrelevance in the Digital Age:

   • The growing reliance on digital resources has led policymakers to deem physical libraries unnecessary, ignoring the fact that millions in India lack reliable internet access.

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What happens when libraries close?

The closure of libraries has far-reaching consequences for society:

• Loss of knowledge accessibility: Libraries are often the only source of free or low-cost access to books for underprivileged communities. Their closure widens the knowledge gap between the rich and poor.
• Erosion of community spaces: Libraries serve as meeting points for intellectual discussions, cultural events, and academic collaboration. Their absence leaves a void in community life.
• Impact on students: Many students rely on libraries to prepare for competitive exams or to access study materials that are otherwise unaffordable. With libraries disappearing, these students are left stranded.

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Real Stories: Libraries turning into commercial spaces

In cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, iconic libraries have been converted into shopping complexes and parking lots. In 2023, a century-old library in Chennai was dismantled to make way for a metro station. These closures, framed as "development," reveal a worrying disregard for intellectual and cultural heritage.

In smaller towns, libraries have been reduced to storage units for outdated books, with no staff or funds to operate them effectively. A once-thriving library in a tier-2 city, for instance, was turned into a warehouse for municipal records—a tragic metaphor for the state of reading culture in the country.

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Are we losing more than just books?

When libraries close, we’re not just losing shelves of books—we’re losing access to:

1. Preserved Knowledge: Libraries house rare manuscripts, historical records, and culturally significant texts that aren’t digitised or available elsewhere.
2. A Culture of Reading: By shutting libraries, we’re sending a message that reading and intellectual pursuits are unimportant in today’s society.
3. Opportunities for Growth: For many, libraries are the first and only step towards education, skill development, and upward mobility.

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What can be done to save India’s libraries?

It’s not too late to reverse this trend. Here are some actionable steps:

1. Policy support:

   • Governments should pass laws to protect libraries from closure and designate them as heritage or cultural sites.
   • Provide adequate funding to modernise library infrastructure and collections.

2. Community involvement:

   • Encourage citizens to advocate for their local libraries and participate in their activities.
   • Volunteer initiatives to organise events, manage resources, and promote reading.

3. Integrating digital and physical resources:

   • Libraries can adopt a hybrid model, offering both physical books and digital resources to stay relevant in the digital age.
   • Collaborate with ed-tech companies to create free access points for e-books and research material.

4. Corporate sponsorship:

   • Encourage private companies to fund libraries as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs.

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India’s reading culture: An urgent wake-up call

The suspension of subsidised book delivery and the closure of libraries are interconnected symptoms of a larger problem—a society that undervalues books and prioritises short-term profits over long-term intellectual growth.

For a nation that has prided itself on its rich literary heritage, this is a wake-up call. Without immediate action, we risk losing more than just libraries or subsidised delivery services. We risk losing a generation of thinkers, dreamers, and innovators who rely on books as their guiding light.

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Did you ever used the Book Post service? Share your experiences below.

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Is media silent about this crisis?

Why is the media turning a blind eye?

The media, often hailed as the watchdog of democracy, seems curiously quiet about the suspension of subsidised book delivery and the closure of libraries. Why is this?

1. Focus on popular trends:

   • The news cycle is dominated by entertainment, politics, and viral content, leaving little room for stories about education or cultural loss.
   • Book-related issues are deemed “niche” and fail to grab headlines or generate TRPs.

2. Political affiliations:

   • Media outlets avoid criticising policies that could jeopardise their standing with powerful entities.
   • Subsidy cuts and closures may not appear controversial enough to warrant investigative reporting.

3. Disengaged audience:

   • There’s a perception that modern audiences, particularly younger ones, are uninterested in stories about books and libraries—a reflection of society’s broader neglect of reading.

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How does this silence impact society?

The media’s reluctance to spotlight these issues has cascading effects:

• Lack of awareness: Most citizens remain unaware of these changes until they are directly affected.
• No accountability: Policymakers face little public scrutiny for decisions that harm education and reading culture.
• Missed opportunities for advocacy: A well-informed public could rally behind these causes, but silence stifles collective action.

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A land of subsidies: Why not for books?

India is no stranger to subsidies. From fuel to food, the government provides financial support to make essential goods accessible to the masses. So why can’t books and magazines be treated with the same importance?

1. Books are essential, not luxury:

   • Books are not just commodities; they’re tools for learning, growth, and empowerment. Subsidising book delivery is an investment in the nation’s intellectual future.

2. The inflation argument:

   • Rising costs of printing, GST on paper, and now higher postal charges make books less affordable for the average reader. This is counterproductive in a country striving for universal literacy.

3. Economic implications:

   • A thriving book market contributes to employment, creativity, and cultural identity. Neglecting this sector could stifle growth in publishing, logistics, and education.

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Are we choosing screens over pages?

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How are digital distractions replacing reading habits?

In an age dominated by smartphones and social media, the decline in reading habits is stark. Scrolling has replaced page-turning, and short-form content is king. But what does this mean for society?

1. Loss of deep focus:

   • Reading a book requires sustained attention, unlike the fragmented focus promoted by social media.
   • This shift affects critical thinking and analytical skills, especially among younger generations.

2. The illusion of knowledge:

   • Quick Google searches and bite-sized content give the illusion of being informed, but lack the depth that books provide.

3. Declining book sales:

   • As screens dominate leisure time, physical book sales suffer, creating a vicious cycle of reduced demand and higher costs.

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Why are physical books still important?

Despite the allure of e-books and audiobooks, physical books hold unique value:

• Tactile experience: The feel of a book and the act of flipping pages create a sensory connection that digital formats can’t replicate.
• Reduced eye strain: Unlike screens, physical books don’t contribute to digital eye strain or disrupt sleep cycles.
• Cultural heritage: Libraries filled with physical books serve as monuments to human knowledge, preserving history and culture for future generations.

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What can be done to revive reading culture?

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How can we make books more accessible?

Accessibility is the key to reviving reading habits. Here’s what can be done:

1. Reintroduce subsidised book delivery:

   • Restore services like Book Post to ensure affordability for readers across all income levels.
   • Offer postal discounts specifically for educational and literary material.

2. Expand Library Networks:

   • Build more libraries in rural areas, focusing on affordability and accessibility.
   • Modernise libraries with hybrid models that combine physical books and digital resources.

3. Support Local Authors and Publishers:

   • Provide incentives for publishing low-cost books, particularly in regional languages.
   • Reduce GST on paper and printing to lower production costs.

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How can we encourage reading in the digital age?

Reviving reading habits requires creative solutions:

1. Community book drives:

   • Organise book donation campaigns where people can contribute unused books to libraries or schools.

2. Reading challenges and incentives:

   • Introduce initiatives like “Read-a-Book Month” with prizes for participants.
   • Collaborate with schools and universities to promote book clubs.

3. Social media for reading:

   • Use platforms like Instagram and X to make reading “trendy” again by featuring book reviews, author Q&As, and literary quizzes.

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A call to action

Books are more than ink and paper—they are the foundation of a thinking society. The suspension of subsidised book delivery, coupled with the closure of libraries, is a dire warning of where we are headed.

But all hope is not lost. By taking collective action—restoring subsidies, modernising libraries, and encouraging a love for reading—we can ensure that books remain an integral part of our lives.

So, dear reader, the question remains: Will you stand by as books become relics of the past, or will you fight to keep the flame of knowledge alive?

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FAQs

1. Why did India Post suspend subsidised book delivery?
   The Book Post service was discontinued under the Post Office Act of 2023 to modernise postal services, but it has significantly increased delivery costs for books.

2. How does this decision affect rural readers?
   Rural readers lose affordable access to books, as India Post is often their only link to knowledge in areas without libraries or bookstores.

3. Why are physical books important in the digital age?
   Physical books reduce screen dependence, provide a tactile experience, and preserve cultural heritage.

4. What steps can be taken to promote reading?
   Restoring book delivery subsidies, expanding library networks, and encouraging reading initiatives are critical measures.

5. Are libraries still relevant today?
   Yes, libraries remain vital community hubs for education, cultural exchange, and preserving historical records.

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Written by Tushar Mangl

Tushar Mangl is an energy healer, vastu expert, and author of Ardika. He writes on topics like food, books, personal finance, mental health, and the art of balanced living. Author of titles like I Will Do It, he seeks to create a greener, better society.