The president of The Indian Newspaper Society, Shailesh Gupta, has expressed his gratitude and appreciated the efforts of Vijay Rupani, chief minister, Gujarat, for his efforts to support print. This follows the chief minister stating that newspapers were the best source of true, accurate and credible information, keeping people away from fake news.  

The CM also assured that his Government would support print media in this hour of need by clearing all the pending payments owed for advertisements published until April 2020.    

The INS stated that this move is welcoming and will provide respite to the print media industry, which has lost nearly Rs 4,500 crores during March and April.  

Gupta added that the INS looks forward to a similar approach from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the past few weeks, INS has requested the Union Government for a stimulus package and seeks the support of all state Governments, PSUs as well as the Central Govt (BOC) to take immediate steps to release the dues payable up to April 2020 towards Government advertisements to print media/ advertising agencies.  

In a release, Gupta said, "Newspapers are facing the most turbulent and difficult period of all times. This industry directly and indirectly gives employment to 30 lakhs people. However, against all odds and inspite of the increasing costs with no returns, all necessary steps are taken to ensure that the newspaper reaches every morning to its readers in every nook and corner of the country regularly." 

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( Source: Campaign India )