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The book fair, which is going to be held at the Milan Mela grounds — the commercial permanent ground for fairs in Kolkata — will continue from January 27 to February 7.
Since last year, the Guild has to pay a rent for hosting the fair at Milan Mela. While in 2008, the rent was about Rs 38 lakh, this year the amount is around 62 lakh — fixed by the West Bengal Trade Promotion Organisation. “Last year, initially they asked us to pay Rs 1.3 crore. After several appeals, the amount was reduced to Rs 38 lakh. But we cannot afford this year’s amount. We will approach the authorities to lessen the price,” said Tridib Chattopadhyay, general secretary of the Guild.
Keeping in mind the financial hardships and difficulties faced by the small and medium publishers, the stall rent for participants have not been increased, he added. “Our entry fee is Rs 5 which will be refunded on purchase of books amounting Rs 200,” he said.
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