“Finding locations to store paper and efficiently supply it to different industries is a major challenge” Mr T. Kishan Singh, President Nominee, FPTA says ahead of 65th AGM

“Finding locations to store paper and efficiently supply it to different industries is a major challenge” Mr T. Kishan Singh, President Nominee, FPTA says ahead of 65th AGM

The Pulp and Paper Times

The Federation of Paper Traders’ Association (FPTA), the apex national body representing paper traders and working to bridge the gap between manufacturers and consumers, in collaboration with the Telangana Paper Merchants’ Association (TPMA), will host the FPTA 65th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Hyderabad from October 3 to 5, 2026, at Novotel HICC. This was announced by Sri Abhishek Vijaywargiya, President, TPMA; Sri Ashish Jain Bhansali, Hon. Secretary, TPMA; Sri Prasad RG, Chairman, Reception Committee, FPTA 65th AGM; Sri Vinay Baldwa, Chairman, Media & Publicity, FPTA 65th AGM; and Sri T. Kishan Singh, President Nominee, FPTA; at a press conference held today at Taj Deccan.

More than 1,000 paper traders from across India are expected to participate in the AGM. The prestigious event returns to Hyderabad after 19 years and has added significance for the city as Sri T. Kishan Singh, Managing Director, Tirumala Balaji Paper Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, is set to take over as Nominee President of FPTA.

Mr T. Kishan Singh, President Nominee, Fpta; said, We as paper traders stand between paper mills and consumers, supplying paper to publishers, notebook manufacturers, printers, converters and various other industries. The need of the hour is the vital role of paper traders. We are not merely resellers; we are an important link in the paper supply chain and contribute to the economy. We seek the government’s recognition and support, particularly in addressing the shortage of suitable warehouse space. Even in Hyderabad, finding locations to store paper and efficiently supply it to different industries is a major challenge. Our vision is clear, paper deserves recognition. It is not just another commodity, it is part of our lives, our economy and nation-building. Our message is simple, Support paper, Use paper, Love paper.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Abhishek Vijaywargiya, President, Telangana Paper Merchants’ Association; said, More than 1,000 delegates from across India, including manufacturers, industry leaders, and policymakers, will participate in the landmark FPTA 65th Annual General Meeting. The Indian paper industry is a vital pillar of the economy. Today, it produces over 24 million tonnes of paper annually, contributes more than ₹1 lakh crore to the economy, provides direct employment to about 5 lakh people, and supports around 15 lakh people indirectly. Despite India’s economic growth, the country’s per capita paper consumption is just about 16 kg, compared to the global average of 57 kg, highlighting tremendous potential for future expansion. The conference will serve as a national platform to discuss industry growth, sustainability, technological advancements, taxation issues, and emerging opportunities for the paper trade and manufacturing sectors. 

The prestigious three-day event will be inaugurated on October 3rd by H.E. Sri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana. Sri Rajesh Ponnuru, CEO, ITC Ltd. (PSPD), will be the Chief Guest. Sri Pawan Agarwal, President, IPMA & CMD, Naini Papers Ltd.; Sri A.S. Mehta, President & Director, JK Paper Ltd.; and Sri Sushil Kumar Khetan, CEO & Whole Time Director, Emami Paper Mills Ltd., will be the Guests of Honour. The meeting will be presided over by Sri Rajesh Jain, President, FPTA.

Sri Ashish Jain Bhansali, Hon. Secretary, TPMA; said, A major highlight of the conference will be on October 4, when former Telangana Paper Merchants Association President Shri T. Kishan Singh takes charge as National President of FPTA. His elevation is a moment of immense pride for TPMA and the entire paper trade fraternity in Telangana. Through this AGM, we also seek to highlight that paper is not merely a commodity but an essential part of daily life, from education, textbooks and notebooks to printing, publishing, offices, packaging and government operations. Despite increasing digitisation, paper remains indispensable across sectors. We therefore appeal to the Central Government to reduce the GST on paper and paper products from the current 18% to 5% under the proposed GST reforms. This will ease the burden on manufacturers, traders and consumers and benefit the entire value chain, including students, schools, publishers, printers, packaging industries and the common consumer. Reducing GST on paper is not just a benefit to the paper trade—it is a benefit to the entire economy and society.

The AGM will bring together paper traders, manufacturers, industry leaders and experts for technical seminars and discussions on the latest developments, emerging opportunities and challenges facing the paper trade. Deliberations will focus on price volatility, rising imports, working-capital constraints, taxation issues and measures to increase paper consumption. The conference will also feature addresses by industry experts and motivational sessions, including an address by Sri Gour Gopal Das.

The trade is seeking simplification and effective implementation of Nil GST on notebooks and exercise books, which can make educational stationery more affordable and encourage wider paper usage. It is also seeking easier and more affordable working-capital support, faster renewal of bank limits and better access to credit-guarantee mechanisms for eligible MSME traders.

Paper trading is highly inventory-intensive, requiring substantial capital to maintain stocks and manage the gap between purchases and customer collections. Improved access to finance is therefore important for the smooth functioning and growth of thousands of traders, particularly MSMEs.
 

Published at : Sep 29, 2026 06:39 AM (IST)

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