Nagpur: The Association of School Book Publishers (ASBP) is ruing the ‘sharp and sudden increase in input costs, which will not only hit their business but also raise the cost of books for school students. The Delhi organization, which has over 200 textbook publishers as its members, said that more than half of the input cost for them is paper. Navin Joshi, secretary of ASBP, said, “About 60% of our cost is paper. Suddenly in February-March, the rates just shot up. The paper that was available last year for Rs80/kg is now selling for Rs110/kg.”
With the sudden spike in paper cost, publishers found themselves in a spot.
Joshi, who has been involved with the textbook publishing business since 1975, said ancillary costs have shot up, thus reducing their ability to adapt. “The carton boxes in which we would pack our books are now selling for double the price. From around Rs40/kg last year, it has shot up to Rs80 and above,” said Joshi.
Apart from this, Joshi said there have been increments in the cost of printing and binding. “The transportation cost has obviously gone up because of the hike in fuel prices,” said Joshi.
An unexpected hit was faced by publishers during the pandemic years. As schools were closed, the demand for textbooks dropped sharply. “Our sector saw almost 40% of the textbooks being returned. That’s also a thing which publishers have to factor into the account,” said Joshi.
ASBP says their business is ‘unique’ because almost all input costs are paid in advance, but goods are sold on credit. Joshi said, “Paper is sold with advance payment. All printing and binding works are also paid either upfront or immediately upon completion of work. But we sell completely on credit.”
School textbook retailers then are at the liberty to return unsold inventory, which may or may not get sold next year.
ASBP is aware that major curriculum updates mean they too have to revamp their ecosystem. “We have requested the government to give us at least one year before implementing the new curriculum under NEP 2020. This allows us time to brief our authors, prepare the material, publish and distribute it,” said Joshi.
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