India Post Abolishes Book Post Service- On 18 December 2024, India Post gave a big blow to book lovers and the entire book industry by discontinuing its 'Book Post' service. Under the Registered Book Post ( RBP ) service, the cost of shipping five kg of books is just Rs 80, whose rates are far better than any courier service. Moreover, India Post's vast network covering 19,101 pin codes and 154,725 post offices in India ensured fast delivery and most parcels arrive within a week. Local deliveries within a city often reach their destination the next day. The government had fixed these discounted rates to promote reading culture. This discount was available on books and magazines.

The service was abruptly terminated, but without any discussion, warning or consultation. Last week, the RBP category was quietly removed from the postal software at midnight. RBP is no longer an option. The closure of this service is a blow to the publishing industry. With shipping charges rising, many readers are reluctant to pay a postage charge of Rs 78 on a book priced at Rs 100. This decision threatens to further weaken the country's already weak reading culture.

Huge difference in charges between RBP and registered parcel

One kg of RBP costs Rs 32, while registered parcels cost Rs 78. For two kg the rates are Rs 45 and Rs 116, and for five kg Rs 80 and Rs 229, respectively. Sample books attract a 5% import duty. Foreign publishers often send complimentary copies of translations of our publications in foreign languages, yet this is the first time the government has imposed such a duty.