India marks National Press Day with push for modern, digitised media governance
New Delhi, Nov 16: India celebrated National Press Day on November 16, commemorating the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) and highlighting the essential role of a free, responsible press in a democratic society.
According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), this year’s observance highlights not only the historical evolution of India’s media institutions but also significant reforms aimed at modernising regulation and strengthening press freedom. PIB noted that the country’s media landscape has expanded dramatically over the past two decades. The number of registered publications has grown from 60,143 in 2004–05 to 1.54 lakh in 2024–25, reflecting the sector’s scale, reach, and continued relevance.
National Press Day marks the creation of the PCI in 1966, following recommendations of the First Press Commission (1956), which first proposed an independent body to protect press freedom and promote ethical journalism. Reconstituted under the Press Council Act, 1978, the Council remains an autonomous watchdog mandated to preserve press independence and uphold professional standards.
Awards and Traditions
Every year, the PCI presents the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism, recognising outstanding contributions across various fields. The Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award remains the highest honour. A commemorative Souvenir released on this day carries messages from national leaders and analyses from academics and media experts.
A Modern Governance Framework
PIB underlined that India’s media governance ecosystem today comprises multiple statutory bodies, landmark reforms, and digital interventions designed to protect journalist rights and streamline regulatory processes. Originally known as the Registrar of Newspapers for India and established following the First Press Commission, the PRGI—now functioning under the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Act, 2023—oversees periodical registration and remains central to the growth of print media.
Press Council of India
The PCI continues to adjudicate complaints on press freedom violations and ethical breaches. It also issues advisory norms, including recent updates on reporting natural disasters and ensuring fair representation of the LGBTQ+ community. The Council has signed cooperation agreements with press bodies in Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and runs internship programmes to build awareness of press responsibilities among journalism students.
Legal Reforms: The PRP Act and Digital Transformation
A major highlight of this year’s National Press Day is the government’s push to modernise media registration. The PRP Act, 2023—implemented from March 1, 2024—replaces the 19th-century Press and Registration of Books Act. As PIB emphasises, the new law introduces a fully online, integrated system for title allotment and registration, eliminates physical interfaces, reduces compliance burdens, and decriminalises procedural lapses. The accompanying PRP Rules, 2024, detail the operational framework.
Press Sewa Portal
Built under the PRP Act by PRGI, the Press Sewa Portal has digitised the entire registration process. PIB reports strong early adoption:
• 40,000 publishers onboarded
• 37,000 annual statements filed
• 3,000 printing presses registered within six months
Key features include e-sign authentication, direct payment gateways, QR-coded digital certificates, real-time application tracking, and an AI-powered chatbot to assist users. A dedicated module also allows printing presses to update their details online.
Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)
Established in 1965 with UNESCO support, IIMC has grown into a premier institution training media professionals. It has conducted 700 courses for over 15,000 participants from India and abroad, expanded into multiple regional campuses, and introduced programmes in languages such as Urdu, Odia, Marathi and Malayalam. In 2024, all IIMC campuses were granted “Deemed to be University” status, enabling them to confer degrees, including doctorates.
Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS)
Launched in 2001 and revised in 2019, the JWS provides financial support to journalists and their families facing hardship. Assistance ranges from ₹5 lakh in cases of death or permanent disability to aid for treatment of serious ailments and accident-related injuries, subject to eligibility conditions.
Labour and Social Security Laws
The Working Journalists Act, 1955, regulates service conditions in the newspaper industry, while the Employees’ Provident Funds (1952) and ESI Act (1948) extend social security benefits to print and electronic media workers.
In its message, PIB said National Press Day serves as a reminder of the press’s “enduring responsibility to inform, educate and hold power accountable” and of the state’s duty to protect media freedom. With the PRP Act and Press Sewa Portal now in place, the government says it aims to create a transparent, technology-driven ecosystem that strengthens publishers, improves regulatory efficiency and upholds ethical journalism. As India celebrates National Press Day 2025, the country’s media institutions—historic and newly reformed—stand at the intersection of tradition, digital transformation, and a renewed commitment to democratic values. (Source Press Information Bureau)
