Context:

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

More on News:

• The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act (PRP Act), 2023  has become effective from March 1st, 2024.

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. 

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. 

Difference between PRP Act and PRB Act 

Significance

News Source: AIR