Brihanmumbai Newspaper Vendors Oppose Maharashtra Digital Circular
The Brihanmumbai Newspaper Vendors’ Association has strongly objected to a Maharashtra government circular encouraging citizens to switch to digital media, warning that the move threatens the livelihoods of thousands of vendors and distributors.
The government notice, which featured the message “Go digital, save newsprint, save forex,” was published in newspapers including Navshakti and The Free Press Journal. The publication highlighted that Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to officially recognise digital and e-paper copies.
In response, the vendors' body in Mumbai declared that the government’s official stance amounts to an attack on the print newspaper industry. The association warned that promoting e-papers over physical print could severely damage the print newspaper industry, endanger the livelihoods of thousands of newspaper vendors and distributor agents, and directly impact lakhs of families associated with the printing sector.
The organization pointed out a contradiction in official policy, stating that while there is an emphasis on preserving newspaper reading habits, the Marathi language, and local culture, citizens are simultaneously being urged to transition toward digital media. According to the association, this dual push has created widespread concern regarding the long-term future of print newspapers.
Emphasizing the civic role of physical publications, the association asserted that printed newspapers are not merely a medium for disseminating information, but also represent the fourth pillar of democracy. It urged the state government to formulate supporting policies that strengthen the print newspaper industry, protect the interests of newspaper vendors, and actively promote the culture of reading.
The demands were formally raised in a statement issued by the association’s Working President, Madhusudan Sadadekar, and General Secretary, Sanjay Choukekar. The Brihanmumbai Newspaper Vendors’ Association has demanded that the Maharashtra government withdraw the circular immediately. The leadership added that if its concerns remain unaddressed, it may mobilise newspaper vendors and other stakeholders across the state to launch a democratic agitation.
