The Government of India has ushered in a new era in the registration of periodicals with the enactment of the historic Press & Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023. Effective from 1st March, 2024, this Act revolutionizes the registration process, embracing digitalization and streamlining procedures for publishers across the country.
Under the PRP Act, registration of periodicals will be governed by a modernized framework, facilitated by the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), formerly known as the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). Embracing the ethos of Digital India, the Act mandates an online system for periodical registration, replacing cumbersome manual processes with a user-friendly, paperless approach.
Key highlights of the new system include:
•Press Sewa Portal: The cornerstone of the digital transformation, the Press Sewa Portal (presssewa.prgi.gov.in) serves as the centralized platform for all periodical registration activities. From application submission to grievance resolution, the portal offers comprehensive services with features like e-sign facility, digital payment gateway, and instant download of digital certificates.
•Online Registration Process: Publishers are required to register their periodicals through the Press Sewa Portal, eliminating the need for physical paperwork. The online process ensures transparency, reduces discrepancies, and expedites application processing.
•Definition of Periodical: The PRP Act clarifies that books and journals of scientific, technical, and academic nature are exempt from registration, focusing solely on publications containing public news or comments on public news.
•Streamlined Application Process: The registration process entails multiple steps, including profile creation, simultaneous submission to relevant authorities, and nomination of printers by publishers. Application submission, correction window, and fee payment are seamlessly integrated into the portal.
•Timely Communication and Response: Publishers receive timely updates on the status of their applications through SMS and email, ensuring transparency and facilitating prompt responses to deficiencies, if any.
•Registration Fee: A nominal registration fee of Rs. 1000 is mandated for all periodicals, payable through the integrated digital payment system Bharatkosh.
•Revision of Registration Details: Publishers have the flexibility to revise registration details online, accommodating changes in periodical particulars as needed.
The PRP Act marks a paradigm shift in periodical registration processes, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for publishers and promoting ease of doing business. By embracing digital innovation and eliminating archaic provisions, the Act paves the way for a more efficient and transparent regulatory framework in the publishing sector.
Publishers and stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the PRP Act and PRP Rules to leverage the benefits of the new registration regime fully.
