Gaurav Gogoi Urges Reinstatement of India Post’s Book Packet Service

Gaurav Gogoi urges reinstating India Post's book packet service, stressing its role in affordable book access for rural readers, publishers, and education.

on Jan 02, 2025

Gaurav Gogoi Urges Reinstatement of India Post’s Book Packet Service | Frontlist

Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has called for the reversal of the government’s decision to discontinue India Post’s book packet service, expressing concern over its impact on readers, publishers, and accessibility to books, particularly in rural and smaller towns.

In a letter to Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, Gogoi highlighted the hardships this decision imposes on the literary community and millions of Indians. He emphasized that the book packet service was an affordable way to send books across the country, with costs as low as ₹20-25 for books weighing up to 200 pages.

The withdrawal, effective December 18, replaces the service with costlier alternatives like Speed Post and Registered Post, which are nearly 50% more expensive. Gogoi noted that this price hike will disproportionately affect small and independent publishers, particularly those specializing in regional languages, niche genres, and serving rural readers.

“This decision makes books less affordable and limits access to literature, especially for those already facing barriers to reading materials,” Gogoi wrote. He underscored the service’s role in fostering a literate and equitable society by connecting readers with affordable educational resources.

Gogoi stressed that the change, prompted by the new Post Office Act, undermines the broader goals of promoting education and personal growth. He urged the government to urgently reverse the decision, arguing that it risks increasing financial strain on publishers and readers, especially in remote areas where private courier services are often too expensive or unavailable.

“This service was a cornerstone for small publishers and rural readers. Its removal directly impacts India’s ability to foster education, growth, and connection to the world,” he concluded, requesting swift action to restore the service.