Information & Broadcast Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday released the ‘India 2016’ and ‘Bharat 2016’ Reference Annual books. These books deal with multifarious issues ranging from rural to urban, industry to infrastructure, science & technology, art & culture, economy, health, defence, education and mass communication.
“I think the kind of detail that India 2016 carries is a must-read for everyone particularly for journalists and politicians. It is very necessary. Once we go through the book, you would realise how much we don’t know,” said Jaitley, while addressing the occasion.
The Minister further added that the book with its treasure house of information on diverse issues would be of great use to Parliamentarians as well as students. It would particularly benefit those who are preparing for competitive exams. The book will also provide information on the various schemes and projects of the government and its various departments.
Jaitley also launched the e-version of India 2016 in Hindi and English. The e-version would be cheaper than the hard copy and would help in saving paper, he said.
The digital versions of the Publications Division books would be available on Kobo platform for online readers. Kobo which is an open online platform offers readers with variety of choices among different languages and is amongst world’s largest e- Bookstores.
For the first time, the e- versions of both yearbooks were launched simultaneously with the print version. It will cost 75 per cent of the print book cost.
Flipkart has launched the Bharat 2016 Reference Annual (paperback) book on its platform and is available at 30% discount of (Rs 245).
he yearbook is published annually by the Publications Division, a media unit of the I&B Ministry.
The Minister also launched the online payment service and subscription of popular journals and Employment News of the Publications Division through Bharat Kosh, a non-tax receipt portal of Finance Ministry. Jaitley mentioned that Bharat Kosh portal would enable direct transfer of money received from the sale of journals to the Consolidated Fund of India.