Government of India Implements Digital Transformation in Media Registration with Press & Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023

New Delhi:  The Government of India has officially enacted the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023, effective March 1, 2024. This landmark legislation aims to revolutionize the registration processes for newspapers and periodicals in the country, introducing a seamless online system and bringing a wave of digital transformation to the media sector.

The Press & Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 replaces the previous manual and cumbersome procedures, streamlining the registration of newspapers and periodicals. The Act also establishes the office of Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), formerly known as the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), to oversee the implementation of the new regulations.

One of the significant features of the new Act is its alignment with the Digital India initiative. The introduction of the Press Sewa Portal (presssewa.prgi.gov.in) by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, serves as an online platform for various applications mandated by the PRP Act, ensuring a paperless and efficient registration process.

The Press Sewa Portal offers services such as e-sign facilities, digital payment gateways, QR code-based digital certificates for instant download, and an interactive grievance resolution mechanism through a chatbot. Accompanied by a user-friendly website (prgi.gov.in), the portal aims to provide publishers with easy access to information and a simplified registration experience.

Importantly, the PRP Act excludes books and journals from the registration process, focusing specifically on periodicals. The Act defines a periodical as any publication, including newspapers, published at regular intervals containing public news or comments on public news, excluding books and journals of scientific, technical, and academic nature.

Under the new Act, all registration applications for periodicals must be submitted through the Press Sewa Portal. This digital transition is expected to reduce discrepancies in applications, ensuring faster processing and providing real-time updates to applicants via SMS and email.

The registration process involves several steps, including profile creation, simultaneous submission to the Press Registrar General and the Specified Authority in the District, invitations to publishers, and online intimation by the printer. The Press Sewa Portal also incorporates a correction window for minor modifications post-application submission.

In an effort to eliminate outdated provisions, the PRP Act removes the requirement for the registration of books and journals. The Act aims to create a business-friendly environment for publishers, fostering a more efficient and transparent registration process.

The implementation of the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 signifies a significant step towards embracing digital solutions and modernizing regulatory frameworks, emphasizing the government’s commitment to facilitating a conducive environment for the media industry in India.