Press Sewa Portal: Simplify Newspaper Registration

Press Sewa Portal Launched to Ease Newspaper Registration

Why in the News ?

The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) launched the Press Sewa Portal as a single-window solution to simplify and speed up the registration of newspapers and periodicals. The initiative aims to boost transparency, ensure ease of doing business, and assist publishers.

Press Sewa Portal: Simplify Newspaper Registration

Key Highlights of the Launch:

  • Press Registrar General Yogesh Baweja announced the launch during Vartalap, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Hyderabad.
  • The Press Sewa Portal is designed to:
    • Simplify the registration process for newspapers and periodicals.
    • Enhance transparency and reduce delays.
    • Resolve issues faced by publishers.
  • The move is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business in the publishing sector.

Implementation & Support for Publishers:

  • PIB Hyderabad Additional Director General Shruti Patil highlighted this as the first interactive session in Telangana to clarify doubts regarding the Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act).
  • Announced a dedicated helpline for publishers with PRGI support.
  • Deputy Press Registrar Ashutosh Mohle explained:
    • The entire registration process went online in March 2024.
    • If no response within 60 days, applications will be deemed approved automatically.
    • Publishers should avoid middlemen/agents and use the portal directly.

About Press Registrar General of India (PRGI):

●      Press Registrar General of India (PRGI): A statutory authority responsible for maintaining the Register of Newspapers under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 (now replaced by the PRP Act, 2023).

●      PRP Act, 2023: Replaced the colonial-era law, modernising rules for newspapers and periodicals.

●      Objective: Strengthen media regulation, ensure transparency in ownership, and ease compliance.

●      Press Information Bureau (PIB): Nodal agency of the Government of India for media communication and publicity.