Dear Editor, I would like to express my deep concern regarding subject ‘Reading in a new world’ through the medium of your esteemed daily newspaper for people of Jammu & Kashmir and some suggestions to Education Department in particular for making improvement in education system. During past two decades, there has been a considerable shift towards digitisation in all respects. The segment that has borne the biggest brunt is the publishing sector, especially those publishing books. Despite a global shift in reading habits from printed books and newspapers to digital, an exemption in taxes and duties on paper, which is imported into country, is very important. The obvious benefit is that it would make education more accessible in the country as tax exemptions would lead to production of cheaper books. The taxes had pushed cost of books beyond the reach of even middle-income folks. There is indeed a case to be made for reducing taxes on imported paper if it can lead to publishing of cheaper books and thus easier access to textbooks. But, question arises whether that still holds true for a generation that is far more in sync with consuming media and doing their studies digitally rather than older generations, who found greater value in published products. In such a scenario, one perhaps needs to weigh costs and benefits of giving students books versus digital tools. The enforced adoption of digital classrooms and distance learning due to COVID-19 pandemic mean that more and more students are engaged with digital learning products when compared to books. However, the challenges faced in ensuring widespread adoption of digital technology and lower literacy overall mean that books will remain viable in the country for a good while longer. Hence, printed books will continue to play a critical role in providing cheaper education. Last but not least the Government certainly ought to at least consider suggestion, making sure that any eventual remission is ultimately passed on to public. Mool Raj, Village Doda.
