He has asked to upgrade technology so that the government press can compete with the private press. “Funds would not be a problem for technology upgradation. Ours is a world class country, why can’t we have world class presses,” he said.

He was speaking at a function to celebrate 150 years of the existence of Government of India Press and Annual Award presentation in New Delhi. The minister presented awards to various officials of the Directorate of Printing for their meritorious performance.

Deepa Dasmunsi, Minister of State for Urban Development emphasised the need to go for skill development through training. While appreciating the hard work of the employees of the Government Press, she also asked them not to forget the root of letter press days. She also announced to set up a museum at Kolkata showcasing the history of printing in India.

The main focus of the two-day conference was to highlight the functioning of Directorate of Printing or Government of India Presses and to apprise all ministries and departments about the important role being played by the Government of India Presses. Recently, the Government of India Press has been modernised with the induction of latest machinery and equipment so as to emerge as a state-of-the-art, efficient and self-sustainable organisation capable of meeting all printing requirements of the Government of India.

The Directorate of Printing, an attached office of Ministry of Urban Development, is responsible for executing printing jobs of all ministries and departments of Government of India along with printing of publications of various ministries and departments, and also printing of forms for civil and defence purposes. The office is also responsible for stocking and distribution of various forms for departments as per their requirements.

The Directorate also renders advice from time to time to various state governments and central government autonomous bodies, universities, public sector enterprises on technical matters relating to printing technology. Directorate of Printing has under its administrative control 15 Government of India presses including three textbook printing units spread over the country. An Office of Assistant Director, Outside Printing Branch, Kolkata, one Forms Store at Kolkata and one Outside Printing Branch at headquarter also function under the Directorate of Printing.

After the inaugural function, luminaries of the print industry presented their views. Kamal Chopra, GS Offset Printers Association highlighted the need for the training in the printing from the childhood itself to make the generations aware about the print technology. He also stressed that instead of putting up institutes for producing students for white collar jobs the actual operators are required to be produced by the institutes.