No Bangalore Book fair this time

Bangalore, Dec 4: The Bangalore Book sellers and Publishers Associations have cancelled the 11th edition of the Bangalore Book Fair as the government has given permission for just 3 days, instead of 10 days as requested by the association. The organizers have now decided to move court.

The organizers complain,"Organizing the event for three days is not viable as it has to stretch for two weekends for more peopel to visit."

The organizers said that they had sought oermission from the Government under four different names Federation of Publishers in India (three days), Bangalore Book Sellers and Publishers Association (three days), VGR Communication (three days) and India Book House, but the government did not respond.

The Karnataka government, however, said,"We framed new guidelines on December 21, 2012 for leasing out Palace Grounds for various events following a directive from the high court.

They've been submitted to the Supreme Court too. Ever since, we're following the guidelines strictly. Only short-term programmes not exceeding three days will be permitted. The organizers sought 10 days' time. No commercial activities like trade fairs, consumer exhibitions, etc will be allowed. This fair involves sale of books," it said.

The organizers are now planning for the third or the fourth week of January next year for the event, if they manage to get the permission.