Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 5: To discuss the pressing issues faced by local book-sellers, a delegation of the Jammu Book-Sellers Association (BSA), called on Deputy Chief Minister here today.
The delegation led by Ruchi Chouhan Khan in presence of Nischal Anand, the President of BSA, briefed the Deputy Chief Minister on how the influx of outsiders has disrupted the market and made survival increasingly difficult for local traders.
Anand explained the challenges posed by Jammu’s geographical location, which limits competitiveness.
He raised concerns about violations of Clause 143 of the Financial Regulation Act, which exempts books and periodicals from tender processes. Despite this, some colleges are issuing Expressions of Interest (EOI), inviting outsiders to bid and pushing local traders to the sidelines.
Anand also highlighted that principals are permitted to purchase books up to Rs 10 lakhs without advertisements under the same regulations. However, some institutions continue to call for tenders, adding to the challenges for local traders.
General Secretary Inderpal Singh requested the Deputy Chief Minister to curb the interference of outsiders, who offer heavy discounts exclusively on their own publications, creating unrealistic expectations for discounts on other publications.
This, he said, makes it impossible for local book-sellers to compete, causing significant financial losses.
The Association hopes that the Deputy Chief Minister’s intervention will lead to policy changes that safeguard the interests of local book-sellers and ensure the sustainability of their trade.
Among others who were present during the meeting included Harbinder Singh, Narinder Singh, Vibhav Gupta, Lutfur Rehman Azad, Piyush Vaid, Sanjay Anand, and Sanjay Sharma.
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