Press Registrar Launches ‘Press Seva’ Portal

Why it is in the news:

• The Press Registrar General of India (PRGI) has launched the ‘Press Seva’ portal to make the registration of newspapers and magazines in the country simpler, more transparent, and faster.
• Traditionally, publishers often faced delays and intermediaries in the registration process.
• This new digital platform aims to accelerate application review, increase transparency, and ensure ease of doing business for publishers.

Purpose and Key Features of the Portal:

The Press Seva portal has been designed with the following objectives:

• Simplify the registration process for newspapers and magazines.
• Digitize application review to speed up approval processes.
• Enhance transparency and accountability in decision-making.
• Address long-standing complaints of publishers regarding delays and intermediaries.
• Under the new system, if there is no response from the authority within 60 days, the application is considered approved—a significant change from traditional bureaucratic delays.

Key Benefits for Publishers:

1. Ease of Doing Business: One-stop digital platform for applications, clarifications, and status updates.
2. Faster Processing: Automatic approval after 60 days of inactivity, reducing dependence on red tape.
3. No Intermediaries: Publishers can directly use the portal, ensuring data security and cost savings.
4. Better Support: Helpline services provide real-time assistance and reduce process-related confusion.

These initiatives are especially beneficial for small, regional, and digital publishers, making media registration more democratic.

Impact on Policy and Governance:

• The Press Seva portal is a significant step in India’s regulatory reforms and digital governance. It:
  • Promotes the Digital India Mission and ease of doing business reforms.
  • Ensures transparent governance under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
  • Enables a fair and timely registration process for all stakeholders in print media.
  • Strengthens accountability and smart governance models.