Press License
Introduction to PRGI Registration
The most prized right in a democracy is press freedom. In India, that freedom entails accountability and structure. The government established the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) to guarantee that newspapers and periodicals function in a morally and legally responsible manner. Transparency, accountability, and order are upheld across the print media industry by this regulatory agency.
Systematic record-keeping is now more crucial than ever due to the growth of journalism and the emergence of digital and printed news channels. The responsibility of maintaining the nation’s newspaper and magazine records falls to PRGI. Any magazine must first obtain PRGI Registration in order to start printing legally.
The publisher’s compliance with particular regulations pertaining to the ownership, distribution, and publication of magazines is guaranteed by this registration process. Newspapers might not be able to legally operate without it. Therefore, it is crucial for all prospective and current publishers to comprehend the registration procedure, documentation, legal rules, and the repercussions of non-compliance.
What is Press Registrar General of India
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting established the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) as an official body. To monitor and preserve the records of newspapers and magazines published all throughout India, this organization was established.
When the previous Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) was replaced, the PRGI was created. The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, which redesigned India’s media registration framework, brought about this change. The PRGI serves as a guide and watchdog. It guarantees that only legitimate publications with confirmed editorial responsibility and ownership are allowed to function.
Purpose and Objective of PRGI
The PRGI was established with specific goals in mind. These goals facilitate the Indian press’s seamless operation. Its goal is to maintain order in the industry and stop illicit activities, not to regulate the press.
Among the main goals are:
- to legally trace all print publications by registering all periodicals and newspapers published in India.
- to prevent the same or comparable titles from being registered repeatedly in different parts of the nation.
- To maintain transparency regarding newspaper ownership and editorial control.
- To serve as a national database for printed materials that may be utilized to develop policies and conduct audits.
- To foster fair competition while also protecting the publishers’ brand names and identities.
- To increase publisher responsibility by requiring annual statements and updates.
These goals ensure that press freedom is balanced with accountability and rule-following.
Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, replaced the previous Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. The new law is in keeping with the digital age and streamlines press registration and regulation.
Key features of the new act include:
- Digital Process : Online application and filing process for registration and title.
- PRGI Creation : Formal establishment of Press Registrar General of India.
- Time-bound Title Allotment : Titles are assigned or refused within a specific timeframe.
- Separation from Printing Press : The registration is now separate from press or printer ownership.
- Annual Compliance : Publishers must file their annual circulation and ownership data.
- Transfer of Ownership : Simplified procedure for transferring ownership of publications
The registration procedure has been updated by this Act, which has also made it simpler for respectable publishers to comply.
What is PRGI Registration
A publisher can obtain permission to publish a newspaper or magazine in India by completing the PRGI Registration legal process. It attests to the publication’s unique title, owner verification, and compliance with legal criteria. A Certificate of Registration is sent to the publisher upon registration. Permission to publish and distribute the publication in accordance with the law is granted by this certificate.
There are two stages in the process:
- Title Verification and Allotment : In this case, the PRGI verifies the name or title of the newspaper.
- Final Registration : when the registration certificate is issued after all necessary paperwork has been filed.
The certificate serves as evidence of authenticity. It is valid until it is withdrawn for a legal reason or for voluntary closure, and it must be on display at the publishing office.
Who Needs to Acquire PRGI Registration Certificate
In order to print a newspaper or magazine in India, one must register with the PRGI. This pertains to:
- People starting a daily, weekly, or monthly newspaper.
- Media outlets or businesses launching new print media.
- Journals or newsletters published by educational institutions.
- NGOs that produce bulletins or publications in the community.
- Periodicals published by government agencies.
- foreign-owned media companies (with the appropriate authorities’ consent).
The publishing is deemed unlawful if it is not registered with PRGI. This certificate is required for local newspapers and even those with a small circulation.
PRGI Registration Process
The procedure for obtaining PRGI registration consists of multiple steps. Since most of it is now online, it is easier to access. Every step, though, needs to be taken with caution.
Detailed Procedure for Registration:
Step 1. Title Approval:
Submit an online application to have the newspaper’s title approved. Ensure the title is original and distinct from others.
Step 2. Verification:
If the title is already in use, PRGI verifies it. Within the allotted time, the applicant is informed.
Step 3. Declaration:
A declaration is sent to the District Magistrate or another designated authority following title approval.
Step 4. Verification by Magistrate:
The authority confirms the applicant’s identification and declaration.
Step 5. Online Form Submission:
All documents are uploaded to the PRGI portal following declaration.
Step 6. Final Review:
The application, declaration, and supporting documentation are examined by PRGI.
Step 7. Certificate Issuance:
The PRGI issues a Registration Certificate if everything is in order.
Documents Required for PRGI Registration
The secret to approval is proper paperwork. The list of documents usually required for PRGI registration is as follows:
- Title Approval Letter : Title Approval Letter.
- Applicant’s Identity Proof : Aadhaar card, PAN card, or owner’s passport .
- Declaration (Form-I) : filed upon title approval by the District Magistrate.
- Proof of Printing Facility : Proof of ownership and address for the printing press.
- Ownership Declaration : Identifying the publication’s true owner or owners.
- Office Address Proof : The address at which the newspaper will appear.
- Specimen Copy : A first issue or dummy copy of the newspaper, if one exists.
Post-Registration Compliance After Obtaining PRGI Certificate
The registration process is not the end. The publisher is required to adhere to a set of continuous guidelines and provide PRGI with updates on a regular basis. These guidelines ensure that the data remains accurate and current.
Continuous Requirements for Compliance:.
Annual Statement Filing
- An annual report detailing circulation, ownership, and publication changes must be submitted by each registered publisher.
Change Notification
- The PRGI must be notified of any changes to the printing press, editor, or ownership.
Title Use
- The issued title must be utilized within the allotted time. The registration will be canceled otherwise.
Ethical Conduct
- The publication must steer clear of inaccurate or deceptive content and adhere to journalistic standards.
Display Certificate
- The publication’s main office must have the registration certificate on display.
Penalty for Non-Compliance
There are severe repercussions if a newspaper or magazine is published without PRGI registration or fails to abide by the guidelines after registration.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- Publishing Without Registration : Publication is legally prohibited, and printed copies are seized.
- False Information During Registration : Registration cancellation and potential criminal charges.
- Not Filing Annual Statement : Financial sanctions and registration suspension.
- Misuse of Title : Cancellation of title and prohibition from applying again.
- Non-Disclosure of Ownership : Certificate revocation and investigation.
To prevent these fines, it is crucial that all publishers continue to adhere to the rules.
Press License Process
- Sent to the licensing unit for review
- Examining the application and supporting documentation by the licensing unit
- Online notification of the applicant’s shortcomings
- The applicant’s online correction of any errors
Internal application processing
If the license is granted or renewed, the fee must be paid online using a payment gateway for New Arms or in person at the licensing unit using a debit or credit card for renewal.
Fee for receipts
Renewal of the license
Frequently Asked Questions
Newspaper/magazine declarations are authenticated in accordance with PRB Act 1887, Section 6.
You must concurrently apply online at the RNI website (www.rni.nic.in) and our website (www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in).
You must concurrently apply online at the RNI website (www.rni.nic.in) and our website (www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in) in order to be assigned the necessary title. After that, you will be provided the appointment date. On the appointed day, you must turn in a hard copy of the application form, a completed Part I form, and the following pertinent papers for Delhi related to the mentioned title: Both sites’ online printed copies are available. The PART-I form. Delhipolicelicensing.gov.in is the source of the download. • Proof of the owner, editor, publication, and publisher/printer’s residential address. • The owner’s or publisher’s PAN card. • A copy of the press declaration. If the owner is a firm, company, or society, a copy of the resolution and registration certificate is required. Thereafter, on any working day between 9.30 AM and 12.30 PM, you must turn in five sets of the aforementioned documents for verification at the Jt.CP/Licensing Unit office in Defence Colony, New Delhi.
The applicant must submit Form-B (declaration form), which is accessible on our website, along with the following documents for declaration validation after receiving title from RNI: “-” • FORM-B in four copies. From www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in, acquire the file. • The publisher/printer’s signature on three specimens and one photograph. • The printing press declaration in copy form. • An RNI copy of the title. • Affidavit (as shown in the specimen) notarized. From www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in, acquire the file. • If the owner is a firm, company, or society, a copy of the resolution. • Affidavit ID card, income proof, or an ITR copy. Proof of residence. In the event that the owner is not a publisher or printer, a copy of the appointment letter is sent.
. To shift ownership, the following paperwork is needed: • Six copies of Form-B. From www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in, download • Three specimen signatures (self-attested) and one photo. • The certificate of RNI registration. • Affidavit for the transfer of ownership of a title, newspaper, or magazine. (Duly testified by SDM or a first-class magistrate). Visit www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in to get it. • A copy of the memorandum and resolution letter, if the owner is a firm, company, or society with a registration certificate. • Notary-attested affidavit (per specimen) (24 points). Visit www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in to get it. • An ITR copy or proof of income. (Self-Attested) • A copy of the owner or publisher’s pan card. (Self-Attested) • Proof of residential address. (Attested by the author) • In the event that the owner is not a publisher or printer, a copy of the publisher or printer’s appointment letter. • This office has already verified the original copy of the previous declaration.
The following paperwork is needed in order to switch printing presses: Five copies of Form-B. From www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in, get the file. • The owner’s self-attestation of the printing press declaration copy. Two Copies • The original copy of the previous declaration has already been verified by this office. • A certificate of RNI registration.
” The following paperwork is needed in order to switch publishers or printers: • Six Form-B Copies From www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in, get the file. • Three specimen signatures and one photo (self-attested). • A certificate of RNI registration. • If the owner is a firm, company, or society with a registration certificate, a copy of the resolution letter and memorandum. Specimen-based affidavit certified by a notary public (24 points). Delhipolicelicensing.gov.in can be downloaded. • Proof of income or an ITR copy. (Attested by the Self) • The owner’s or publisher’s pan card copy. (Attested by the Self) Proof of residential address. (Self-attested) • If the owner is not a publisher or printer, a copy of the publisher or printer’s appointment letter. The old publisher/printer’s signature has arrived at our office on Form C. (Click to download.) • The original copy of the previous declaration has already been verified by this office.
The following papers are necessary for a change in periodicity: • Four copies of Form -B with the original signature. • The original copy of an earlier declaration has already been validated by our office. • RNI registration certificate.
. The following documents are necessary to alter the price: • Four copies of Form B (download at www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in). • The original copy of an earlier declaration has already been validated by our office. • RNI registration certificate.
. The following documents are necessary for the change of editor: • 4 copies of Form B. (Download at www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in) • Address the editor’s proof. (self attested) • The original copy of an earlier declaration has already been validated by our office. • RNI registration certificate.
. The following paperwork is needed for a change in publication: Five copies of Form-B signed by the original author. • The first copy of the previous declaration has already been verified by this administration. • Two copies of the publication address proof The certificate of RNI registration.
The documents listed below. For a printing press in Delhi, the following paperwork is needed: • Five copies of the original signed Form-B. • Three specimen signatures and one photo. • Two copies of the printing press statement. • Notary-attested affidavit (per specimen) (24 points). From www.delhipolicelicensing.gov.in, download • An ITR copy or proof of income. (Self-Attested) • The owner’s or publisher’s PAN card copy. (Self-Attested) • Proof of residential address. (Attested by the author) • A copy of the RNI’s title and registration certificate. • A copy of the previous declaration has already been verified by DM. • After that, on any working day between 9.30 AM and 12.30 PM, the applicant must provide three sets of the aforementioned papers to the Jt. CP/Licensing Unit office in Defence Colony, New Delhi, for verification.