New Delhi, Aug 16: A delegation of the Indian Newspaper Society today met Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and sought abolition of customs duty on newsprint, doing away with wage boards for the industry and reduction in customs duty for certain types of printing machines. During the 30-minute meeting, the delegation comprising INS executive committee members led by its president Abhay Chhajlani also appealed for acceptance of commercial rates for release of advertisements through DAVP.

A memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister made a reference to the parlous state of the newspaper industry owing to a variety of factors, such as erosion in advertising revenues due to competition from the electronic media and heavy burden imposed as a result of implementation of the recommendations of the wage boards. In this context, the need for governmental intervention to grant relief to the newspaper industry in certain areas was emphasised, an ins press release said.

It said the delegation exchanged views with the prime minister on a range of issues affecting the newspaper industry.

The Prime Minister assured the delegation members that the government would consider the various issues raised by them and appropriate action thereon would be taken, the release said. Bureau Report