Kerala, India’s most literate state has also one of India’s largest reading community. Thiruvananthapuram, its capital, is an important centre of culture and education. Planned as a university township before independence, Thiruvananthapuram is now a centre of many research and educational institutions. Indian Space Research organisation, Development Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Laboratory and several professional and degree colleges and a large network of good schools makes Thiruvananthapuram a city of learning.

Kerala’s vibrant book market is supported by a serious reading community and a network of 4500 rural library network run by government grants.

National Book Trust, India is organising the 28th National Book Fair at Thiruvananthapuram from 5 to 13 November 2005 in collaboration with Government of Kerala.

Books–big and small, on humanities, technology, for old and young, in English, Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil – shall be displayed. Besides, the Fair will provide an excellent forum for interaction among book lovers, authors, publishers, booksellers and librarians. There will be daily seminars, workshops, meet the author sessions, book releases and activities for children.

Details of the 28th National Book Fair are as follows :

• Venue :Putharikkandam Maithanam Thiruvananthapuram
• Duration :5 to 13 November 2005
• Timings :11.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. daily
• Last date for receipt of application: 30 September 2005

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Participation
Participation in the Fair is open to publishers, booksellers, book distributors and dealers/manufacturers of teaching aids, educational records, cassettes and computer software.

Applications
Applications for more than one stall/stand will not be considered. Applications for combinations of stands and stalls will also not be considered.

Rental
• Stand : 1m: Rs.1,500.00
This is inclusive of one panel, 5 shelves, one spotlight, one octonorm counter, one chair and name facia.
However, stand holders will not be allowed to use more than one counter and one chair on their stand(s).
Stall: 3m x 3m: Rs.9,000.00
This is inclusive of 9 panels, 30 shelves, coirmat carpet, 6 spotlights, one otconorm counter, 2 chairs and name facia.

• Participants selling books in regional languages only shall be entitled to a discount of 50 per cent on the rental of one stand/stall.

Conditions for Sale
• A uniform discount of 10 percent shall be allowed on the printed price;
• Hawking and sale of books at specially reduced prices shall be prohibited; and
• Any participant violating the above norms shall be disqualified and prevented from further participation in the Fair.

Allocation of Stands/Stalls
Allocation will be made on receipt of the prescribed application form duly completed, together with a bank draft towards payment of the rental in favor of National Book Trust, India payable at New Delhi. Allotment will be through draw of lots, and the decision of the NBT in this regard will be final and binding on all participants.

Encroachment of Passages
No encroachment or extension in the passages shall be allowed. Participants are therefore advised to arrange the display within the space allotted to them.

Display of Banners, Posters, etc.
While there will be no restriction on the putting up of banners, posters, etc. within a stall, nothing will be allowed to be displayed outside the stall/stand.

Insurance
While reasonable security arrangements shall be made at the Fair, the NBT shall not be held responsible or liable for damages to exhibits by fire, flood, water, storms, strikes, riots or any other cause whatsoever. It would thus not only be in the interest of the participant(s) but it is also mandatory to arrange their own insurance of the exhibits to cover loss or damage by any of the above mentioned means. Possession of the stalls/stands shall be given on production of evidence of insurance. However, it is exclusively an absolute responsibility of the participant(s) to insure their exhibits and stock against break-in theft, and damage by fire and other natural calamities during the duration of the Fair. The NBT shall be entitled, but not obliged, to inspect such a policy before handling over possession of the stands/stalls. In the event of a claim against the NBT, the participant(s) shall indemnify the NBT.

Additional Furniture and Electrical Fittings
Stall holders only can hire additional furniture such as chairs and tables from the approved contractor; however, such furniture shall be placed strictly within the area of the stall. Additional electric connections can also be obtained from the approved contractor after making an advance payment of the estimated cost to the NBT/approved contractor.

Cancellation
If circumstances so warrant, the NBT reserves the right to postpone, alter or cancel the Fair. In case the Fair is cancelled before the inauguration, rental collected will be refunded after making the necessary deduction. However, no refund shall be made if a participant wishes to withdraw from the Fair after making a firm booking.

Jurisdiction
Any dispute or claim arising out of the participation in the Fair shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delhi Courts.

LAST DATE FOR BOOKING: 30 SEPTEMBER 2005

Please address all communication to
Deputy Director (Exhibition)
NATIONAL BOOK TRUST, INDIA
Telephones: 26569962, 26564667, 26564020
Fax: 26514548, 26851795, 26854688
E-mail: nbtindia@ndb.vsnl.net.in
Website: www.nbtindia.org.in