The physical distribution backbone of the Indian press—newspaper vendors and hawkers—is enduring an unprecedented and silent economic crisis. Hit hard by the digital shift, rising paper costs, and extreme summer heatwaves, these gig workers operate completely without social security, health insurance, or hazard protection.
The Bharat Media Association urgently calls upon print media conglomerates to establish comprehensive welfare schemes for their distribution networks. Without these vital frontline workers, the physical reach and impact of daily print journalism will completely collapse.
