MIB introduces Press Sewa Portal and National Register for LCOs

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, launched four portals with the aim of ensuring ease of doing business by fostering a more conducive business environment for Newspaper publishers and TV channels, enhance transparency and efficiency in government communication, provide easy  access to authentic Government videos and create a comprehensive database of Local Cable Operators (LCOs) enabling the Government to streamline regulatory processes in the cable television sector in future.

The MIB secretary Sanjay Jaju said that these initiatives will help them streamline and increase the ministry’s engagement with the media. “These will foster not just transparency and innovation and help improve the functioning of the departments,” he said.

Press Sewa Portal: Streamlining newspaper registration

The Press Sewa Portal, developed under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act, 2023) by the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI - erstwhile RNI), is a step towards complete automation of the process for newspaper registration and other related processes. This portal, designed under the PRP Act 2023, aims to simplify the cumbersome registration procedures that were prevalent under the colonial PRB Act, 1867.

Key features of the Press Sewa Portal include:

• Online application: Publishers can file applications for title registration online, using Aadhar-based e-signatures.
• Probability meter: Indicates the likelihood of title availability.
• Real-time tracking of applications status: Accessible through an intuitively designed dashboard.
• Dedicated DM module: Enables District Magistrates to manage applications received from publishers in a centralized dashboard.

New Website: Along with the portal, the website offers easy access to relevant information, featuring an AI-based chatbot for user-friendly interactions.

Benefits of automation: Online services for Title Registration, paperless processes with e-sign facilities, integration of a Direct Payment Gateway, QR code-based digital certificates, module for Press Keepers/owner enabling online intimation about Printing press, efficient tracking of newspaper registration, and quick grievance resolution through a chatbot-based interactive Grievance Resolution Software.

National Register for LCOs

National Register for Local Cable Operators (LCOs) is the first step to bring registration of LCOs currently with Post Offices spread across the country under a Centralised Registration System. A web form has been designed to collect information from local cable operators for the purpose of National Register. The National Register for LCOs has also been published online and is being updated regularly. A Centralised portal for online registration is in the process of development.

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