In order to achieve the objectives of the Society entered into an agreement with M/s. Unitechna of German Democratic Republic for the supply, erection and commissioning of a printing press at Thrikkakara for a total cost of Rs. 140.39 lakhs on a turn key basis. It was agreed with M/s. Unitecna that the entire cost of the plant and machinery to be erected will be paid to M/s. Unitechna within 16 semi annual installments with interest at 4.5%. The Society has already paid 14 installment.
The Government of Kerala have extended loans amounting to Rs. 232 lakhs repayable in 15 annual installments. The Government have also provided 15 acres of land and constructed the press building and administrative block costing about Rs. 100 lakhs. Thus in all the investment can be termed as Rs. 5 crores by the time the press was commissioned in 1978.
The Government have charged lease rent at the rate of 7% per annum over their investment of 100 lakhs. The Society has no corpus fund of its own. The Society has moved the Government to sanction Rs. 50 lakhs towards corpus fund and are awaiting favourable orders.
The Society is expected to function on a no loss no profit basis as regards printing of text books. However for printing of commercial work (i.e. other department / private orders) the Society expect to take nominal profit like any other commercial organisation.
The press at Thrikkakara was commissioned in August, 1978. During 78-79 and 79-80 the Society has incurred a total loss of 71 lakhs. In 80-81 and 81-82 the Society have earned a profit of Rs.13.36 lakhs and 33.68 lakhs. The Society foresee a profit of about Rs. 10 lakhs during 82-83. (Accounts not audited). During 1981-82 the Society has offered Rs.11.32lakhs as rebate to Education Department. The utilisation of the same is being explored.