The Indian government has reduced postal charges for sending books after protests from publishers and booksellers. The Book Post rates are now restored to the earlier, lower Book Packet rates. Additionally, India Post has introduced a new parcel service with tracking for bulk shipments.

With the implementation of the new Post Office Act, 2023, the affordable Book Packet service was discontinued on June 18, 2024. Publishers and booksellers had to switch to the costlier Book Post service, increasing postage rates significantly. For instance, sending a book under 500 grams within 200 km earlier cost ₹30, but after the change, the rate jumped to ₹45.

Following protests, Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Chairman, Purushothama Bilimale, wrote to the Ministry of Communications, highlighting the issue. In response, the postal department announced that Book Post rates would now match the earlier Book Packet rates.

India Post has also launched a new service called “India Post Parcel,” offering tracking for retail and bulk shipments. This will allow bulk customers, such as publishers, to send parcels up to 2 kg at nearly the same cost as the old Book Packet service.

Publishers and booksellers have welcomed the decision and urged quick implementation. Dhananjaya, a publisher from Bengaluru, emphasized that the high postal rates had affected both businesses and readers. He called for the immediate rollout of the reduced rates to ensure books remain affordable and accessible across the country.