The National Book Trust (NBT), India is an apex body established by the Government of India (Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development) in the year 1957. The objectives of the NBT are to produce and encourage the production of good literature in English, Hindi and other Indian languages and to make such literature available at moderate prices to the public and to bring out book catalogues, arrange book fairs/exhibitions and seminars and take all necessary steps to make the people book minded.
NBT plays an important role in promoting books and the habit of reading by organising book fairs and exhibitions throughout the country since the last five decades. As the nodal body for the promotion of books both in India and abroad, NBT:
- Organises book fairs/exhibitions throughout the country at various levels. NBT has so far organised 21 World Book Fairs in New Delhi, and nearly 400 State level book fairs and festivals.
- Participates in major international book fairs annually and showcases books from India.
Makes books available at the doorsteps of the people through mobile exhibitions and on-line sales through its website.
- Has enrolled more than 80,000 Book Club Members throughout the country.
- Provides financial assistance to authors and publishers.
- Organises seminars and workshops.
- Organises special book fairs and literary programmes in the north-east to promote books and book reading in the region.