The Parliament on Thursday handed the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Invoice 2023, marking a major shift from the archaic Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867, which had ruled the registration of the print and publishing trade within the nation since 1867. For the Invoice to turn out to be legislation, it now awaits Presidential assent.
The brand new laws introduces a simplified on-line system for the allotment of titles and registration of periodicals, eliminating the necessity for any bodily interface. This streamlined method is anticipated to expedite the method, offering a smoother initiation for publishers, significantly benefiting small and medium publishers.
Below the brand new provisions, publishers are relieved from the requirement to file declarations with native authorities and endure authentication. Moreover, printing presses are now not obligated to furnish such declarations; a easy intimation will suffice.
To realize additional insights into the attainable influence of this Invoice on an trade grappling with challenges, exchange4media caught up with Rakesh Sharma, the President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) for the time period 2023-24.
Sharma serves because the Director of iTV Community and Good Morning Media India, overseeing the publication of esteemed newspapers akin to Aaj Samaj, The Day by day Guardian, The Sunday Guardian, India Information, and Enterprise Guardian.
Excerpts:
Are you able to present an outline of INS’s perspective on the not too long ago handed PRP Invoice, and the way it’s anticipated to influence the newspaper trade?
We wholeheartedly welcome the PRP Invoice, which is poised to considerably profit newspaper publishers. The earlier legislation concerned a number of places of work on the state and central authorities ranges, inflicting delays and obstacles. The brand new statute is anticipated to streamline processes, chopping down purple tape and facilitating smoother operations.
Do you imagine the net registration course of will contribute to the expansion of the newspaper trade with extra gamers coming into the sector? What number of newspapers are presently registered, and what progress do you anticipate?
Presently, there are 1.5 lakh newspapers registered in India. Whereas I can’t present a projected progress determine, the streamlined on-line registration course of is anticipated to foster ease of doing enterprise. Newspaper trade is ready to develop.
With the elimination of the District Justice of the Peace’s energy within the new Invoice, do you assume it would compromise the standard of newspapers, permitting anybody to register and begin publishing?
No, the elimination of the District Justice of the Peace and police chiefs’ approval is a constructive step. Their involvement was nothing however red-tapism. The brand new legislation goals to chop purple tape and streamline the method. The entire process, which beforehand took over a yr, is now anticipated to conclude in 60 days. If somebody makes an attempt to register an current title or gives false paperwork, their registration might be rejected or revoked.
The brand new Invoice prescribes a jail time period of as much as six months just for excessive violations, not like the earlier legislation the place even minor offenses result in imprisonment. Do you see any dangers in diluting this provision?
The Act of 1867, a legacy of the British Raj, imposed full management over the press with heavy fines and penalties. We’ve got sufficient safeguards to handle pretend information. The availability for a jail time period just for excessive violations is a crucial measure to stability accountability with out resorting to imprisonment for minor offenses.
What’s INS’s subsequent transfer, and the way do you intend to teach society, particularly potential publishers, concerning the new legislation?
We are going to totally look at each provision of the legislation in our upcoming board assembly, discussing each its professionals and cons. We’re talking to the media to convey our message to the society and potential publishers.
You will have talked concerning the professionals of this Invoice solely. Are there any flaws as effectively?
At present, I can solely see the constructive elements of the Invoice. Nonetheless, throughout deliberation at our board assembly, some members could determine potential drawbacks. See, the foundations for the legislation are but to be framed, and the federal government will contain INS on this course of. Any points or considerations might be addressed in the course of the rule-making section.