The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved a 26% increase in the rates paid for government advertisements in print media. This marks the first significant rate adjustment in several years.
Under the new structure, the rate for black-and-white advertisements in large-circulation daily newspapers, those printing over one lakh copies will rise from Rs 47.40 to Rs 59.68 per sq. cm. The government has also cleared additional premiums for colour advertisements and for ads placed in high-visibility or preferred positions within newspapers.
The decision follows recommendations submitted by the 9th Rate Structure Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the financial pressures faced by the print industry. Rising newsprint costs, wage expenses, and production overheads were key factors influencing the revision.
Officials said the hike is aimed at providing much-needed support to print publications at a time when they are battling escalating costs and growing competition from digital media. The government believes that improved ad revenues will strengthen the financial health of newspapers and help sustain robust journalism and local reporting.
