Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023

Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 mind map
Recent News
Introduced in Rajya Sabha
Date
August 1, 2023
Introduced by
Minister of Information and Broadcasting
Anurag Thakur
Passed in Rajya Sabha
By voice vote
When
Introduced
August 1, 2023
Passed in Rajya Sabha
Specific date not mentioned
Why
Replaces old legislation
Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867
Aim
Streamline digital procedures
Verify and register periodical titles
Reduce bureaucratic processes
What
Registration of Periodicals
Includes publications with public news
Excludes books, scientific, and academic journals
Registration Process
Online application to Press Registrar General
Local authority involvement
Prohibitions
Convicted individuals
Terrorist acts, unlawful activities
Actions against State security
Foreign Periodicals
Reproduction in India
Requires central government approval
Press Registrar General
Roles
Maintains register of periodicals
Guidelines for title admissibility
Verifies circulation figures
Can revise, suspend, or cancel registration
Printing Press Registration
Online information submission
Suspension and Cancellation
Reasons
False information
Failure to publish continuously
False annual statement particulars
Period
Minimum 30 days to 180 days
Penalties and Appeal
Imposition of penalties
Unregistered periodical publication
Failure to furnish annual statement
Appeal process
Press and Registration Appellate Board
Who
Involved Parties
Press Registrar General
District Magistrate
Central Government
Local Authorities
How
Registration Mechanism
Online applications
Simplified process
Reduced time frame
Implementation
Central government oversight
Press Registrar General's authority
Pros/Significance
Streamlined Processes
Faster title registration
Reduced time from 2-3 years to 60 days
Benefits
Small and medium publishers
Reduced bureaucracy
Cons and/or Challenges
Editors Guild of India's Concerns
Expansion of power
Beyond Press Registrar
Registration Denial and Cancellation
Unlawful activities, security threats
Power to Enter Press Premises
Press Registrar and specified authority
Power to Frame Rules
Central government
Way Forward
Parliamentary Committee Review
Recommended by Editors Guild of India
Comprehensive discussion on press freedom
Address concerns about media freedom

The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, introduced in India’s Rajya Sabha, aims to replace the colonial-era Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. It seeks to modernize the process of registering periodicals, streamlining procedures, and reducing bureaucracy. The Bill introduces online applications for registration, empowers the Press Registrar General, and sets rules for foreign periodicals. While it promises expedited processes and benefits for small and medium publishers, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on press freedom, expansion of government powers, and the authority given to government agencies beyond the Press Registrar.

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