Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023: Digital Transformation in Publishing

March 4, 2024

GS Paper II Polity

Context:

PRP Act

The Indian government has officially announced the implementation of the significant Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023 and its Rules.

About Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act)

This act replaces the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 legislation from colonial – era.
Objective: To modernise the registration processes of periodicals.
This act governs the registration of periodicals.

Features of Press Sewa Portal :

Paperless processing with e-signature facility
Digital payment gateway for convenience
QR code-based digital certificates for instant download
Online system for printing presses to provide intimation
Percentage probability for title availability
Online access to registration data for all publishers
Filing of annual statements
Implementation of a chatbot-based interactive grievance resolution mechanism

Understanding the feature of PRP Act: Revolutionizing Periodical Registration

Press Sewa Portal : The new Act has introduced an online registration system called the Press Sewa Portal.
- The new Act mandates that all applications for registering periodicals must be done exclusively online through the Press Sewa Portal.
- This system has replaced the old manual processes, which were complex and involved multiple steps and approvals.
The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI): The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), formerly known as the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), will be responsible for implementing the objectives of the new Act.
- The PRGI would be responsible for maintaining a register of periodicals, setting standards for periodical titles, verifying circulation numbers, and handling registration changes, suspensions, or cancellations.
Exclusion of scientific and technical books: The new law states that a periodical is any publication, like a newspaper, published regularly with public news or comments.
- However, it excludes scientific, technical, or academic books or journals from requiring registration with PRGI.

Digital Revolution in Publishing: The Impact of Online Registration on Periodicals and Business Ease

Shift from Traditional approach: With the introduction of new act, the registration process for periodicals will be done online through press sewa portal which is a significant step towards modern approach aligning the objective of Digital India.
Ease of doing Business: Online operation of registration helps to create a conducive environment for publishers which further helps in doing business related to publication work.

Benefits of PRP Act

Drawbacks of PRP Act

Easy Registration: The new law sets up an online system, the “Press Sewa Portal,” for registering periodicals.
- It has simplified the process.
More Transparency: With the online portal, information about registered periodicals becomes easily accessible, which could make the publishing industry more transparent.
Technological Advancement: The new law has established new technology for its operations.
- It has accelerated the work procedure.

Accessibility Concerns: Even though the Act is available online, the specific rules aren’t easy to find on the government website.
- This lack of clarity might make it hard for publishers to understand what they need to follow.
Risk of Online Platform Misuse: There’s a chance of using the platform for purposes, like making fake or harmful publications.

Difference between PRP Act and PRB Act

Aspect	Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867	Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
Scope	Includes books and periodicals	Focuses only on periodicals
Declaration by printing press	Required before District Magistrate	Online intimation to Press Registrar General and District Magistrate
Declaration by publisher	Required before District authority	Not required, application for title and registration made simultaneously
Penalties	Severe penalties including imprisonment	Decriminalized, except for extreme cases of non-compliance
Cancellation of registration	Only by District Magistrate	Press Registrar General has power to suspend/cancel

Significance

News Source: AIR

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