Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Maharashtra's Digital Push Called Attack on Print Newspaper Industry
The government of Maharashtra placed a message in two newspapers.
The message asks people to read newspapers on phones or computers instead of on paper.
It says going digital will save newsprint and save foreign money.
Maharashtra is the first state to officially accept digital newspaper copies.
The people who sell newspapers are worried and upset.
They say this is an attack on the printed newspaper business.
Many families depend on printing and selling newspapers for their income.
The vendors worry their jobs and livelihoods are in danger.
They have asked the government to cancel the message.
If the government does not listen, they may hold a peaceful protest.
A Maharashtra government circular promotes the message 'Go digital, save newsprint, save forex' in newspapers Navshakti and The Free Press Journal.
Maharashtra is the first state to officially recognise digital/e-paper copies, according to the circular.
The Brihanmumbai Newspaper Vendors' Association called the move 'an attack on the print newspaper industry.'
The Association warned the move threatens the livelihoods of thousands of vendors, distributors (agents), and lakhs of families in the printing sector.
Demanding withdrawal of the circular, the Association said it may launch a democratic agitation if its concerns are not addressed.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government issued the circular; the Brihanmumbai Newspaper Vendors' Association, led by Working President Madhusudan Sadadekar and General Secretary Sanjay Choukekar, opposes it.
- What
- A government circular promoting digital/e-paper reading to save newsprint and forex, which the vendors' association calls an attack on the print newspaper industry.
- When
- Not specified in the articles.
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The government cites savings of newsprint and forex, while the Association says the move threatens the livelihoods of newspaper vendors, distributors and printing-sector families.
Digital-first government policy
Print newspaper industry defence
Digital shift vs print survival
Digital-first government policy
Encouraging citizens to go digital saves newsprint and forex, and Maharashtra is the first state to officially recognise e-paper copies.
Print newspaper industry defence
The move is 'an attack on the print newspaper industry' that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of vendors, distributors (agents) and lakhs of families linked to the printing sector.
Preserving reading culture
Digital-first government policy
The government emphasises preserving newspaper reading, the Marathi language and culture while also encouraging a shift to digital media.
Print newspaper industry defence
Printed newspapers are not just a medium of information but the 'fourth pillar of democracy'; policies should strengthen print and promote the culture of reading.
- State
- Maharashtra
- City
- Mumbai
- Government action
- Circular promoting digital/e-paper reading
- Campaign message
- Go digital, save newsprint, save forex
- Newspapers carrying the message
- Navshakti and The Free Press Journal
- First state to officially recognise e-papers
- Maharashtra
- Opposing body
- Brihanmumbai Newspaper Vendors' Association
- Association leaders
- Madhusudan Sadadekar, Sanjay Choukekar