Newspapers to increase prices in Manipur

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Jan. 30 (EMN): Newspaper publishers in Manipur have resolved to increase the prices of newspapers published in the state in two phases on Sunday.

The first phase of the new pricing will come into effect from Feb. 1 and continue till Jan. 31 next year. Newspapers having 12 pages will now be priced at INR 6, while those having 8-10 pages will be priced at INR 5.

Four page newspapers will now cost INR 2. A joint meeting of the publishers, editors and representatives of the journalists union in the state including the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union, Manipur Hill Journalists Association and Editors Guild, Manipur took a resolution in this regard.

As per the statement, which was made available, the meeting also minutely discussed the grievances being faced by the publishers following the reduction in advertisement revenue and increase of production costs.

It also informed that the newspaper price in Manipur has not changed since 2014 despite an increase in the production cost.

As per publishers, the cost of production is INR 7 to INR 7.50 for a newspaper having 12 pages, while it is sold at just INR 4.50. After deducting 33.3% commission for distribution, publishers are left with just INR 3 per paper.