Venkaiah Naidu takes note of print media's concerns about GST, Wage Board Recommendations

NEW DELHI: Union minister Venkaiah Naidu has asked Information and Broadcasting secretary Ajay Mittal to examine print media newspapers' concerns about the possible impact of the latest wage board recommendations and increased taxes under the Goods and Services Regime, an I&B ministry statement said today.
Naidu "has taken note of the concerns expressed by the newspaper industry which has been reported in (the) media" and "has asked Secretary, I&B, to look into the issues in the wake of implementation of latest Wage Board Recommendations and the proposed GST regime," the statement said.
Newspapers have struggled to retain staff and publish multiple editions, and they fear that these measures - along with the impact of demonetisation - will make survival even more challenging.
The I&B ministry today said that if needed, it will consult with other relevant ministries to address the issue. It added that it will hold detailed discussions with industry representatives.
Its statement comes days ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget.
Inputs from PTI