Imphal: News publishers across the state have resolved to increase to price of newspapers published in Manipur in two phases. Newspaper price in Manipur have not been increased since 2014 despite increase in price of paper, ink and transportation.
As per publishers, the cost of production is Rs.7 to 7.50 for a newspaper having 12 pages while it is sold at just Rs.4.50. After deducting 33.3 per cent commission for distribution, publishers are left with just Rs3 per paper. With advertisement revenue shrinking and cost of production increasing due to several factors, it has become almost impossible to keep the papers running.
Publishers, are therefore, constrained to increase the cover price and appeal to subscribers to bear with them.
The first phase of new pricing will come into effect from 1st of February 2022 and continue till 31st January 2023. Newspaper having 12 pages will now be priced at Rs.6 while those having 10 pages & 8 pages will be Rs.5/- and 4 pages –Rs.2. This is the minimum price publishers have agreed to fix for their respective newspaper, in order to continue to serving the people of Manipur.
The resolution was taken in a joint meeting of the Publishers, Editors and representative of the journalists union including MJHU the meeting was jointly Presided by W. Shamjai President AMWJU and Kh Khogen, President Editors Guild Manipur.
