Demonetisation and the subsequent cash crunch has hit the popular World Book Fair in Delhi this year. Publishers, distributors and booksellers are still feeling the stress after over many days of dealing with the cash crunch.
Despite almost all book stalls having Paytm and card swiping facilities, the footfall seemed less.
“Though our customers are happy to pay with their cards, this year, we are seeing fewer walk-ins, down by about 20-25 per cent,” said Dhruv Verma, owner of a publication house dealing in research and technology books.
“Books are not of prime concern currently and that has affected the purchasing,” said Ishan Mehra who has been putting up a stall since four years. “People are buying lesser books this time and amongst the sold books this year are novels. Of course, committed readers will continue to buy their favorite authors’ new releases,” he added.
The number of stalls dealing in e-books has increased this year. Aayush Jain, director of a publication house dealing in Arts and Science academic books said: “My concept of business only through e-books has paid me today. There was comparatively better response than the stalls selling hard bound books.”
One of the most popular pavilions at the fair this year is the children’s pavilion which has books, bags, and other accessories to attract kids. Parents who were visiting the fair with their children said it was interesting to see events like storytelling sessions, poetry recitation, skits, painting competitions, quiz competitions and dance programmes scheduled for kids.
Gorangii Chawla a resident of West Delhi said: “At this time when I still don’t have enough money to pay my due bills and run my house like before, buying books is a luxury. I am only here to have a look at the fair.”
Anant Narula, another stall owner, has a similar story to share. “The book sales have declined by 50 per cent. People who bought 10 books last year are buying five this time. Demonetisation has badly affected the book fair.”