New Delhi, February 22: Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, introduced four groundbreaking portals designed to reshape India’s media landscape. These transformative initiatives aim to simplify business processes for newspaper publishers and TV channels, enhance transparency in government communication, provide seamless access to authentic Government videos, and establish a comprehensive database of Local Cable Operators (LCOs) for streamlined regulatory processes in the cable television sector.In his address, Minister Anurag Thakur highlighted India’s growing attractiveness for investment, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on transformative governance and economic reforms. The new portals align with the government’s commitment to ease of doing business, fostering innovation, transparency, and progress in the media sector.Press Sewa Portal: Revolutionizing Newspaper RegistrationThe Press Sewa Portal, developed under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, marks a monumental shift towards complete automation of newspaper registration processes. Key features include online applications, a Probability Meter indicating title availability, real-time tracking of application status, and a dedicated dashboard for District Magistrates. The portal streamlines title registration with online services, e-sign facilities, QR code-based digital certificates, and a chatbot-based grievance resolution system. 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.- Quick grievance resolution through a chatbot-based interactive Grievance Resolution Software.Transparent Empanelment Media Planning and eBilling System: Transforming Media PlanningThe Transparent Empanelment Media Planning and eBilling System for the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) enhance transparency and efficiency in media planning processes. It provides an end-to-end ERP solution for media industry stakeholders with streamlined empanelment processes, automated media planning, and an integrated eBilling processing system.Key Features:- Streamlined empanelment process.- Automated media planning.- Integration of an eBilling processing system.- Mobile app for partners with tamper-proof timestamp and geo-tagging functionality for organized monitoring.- A dedicated IVR Helpdesk for quick issue resolution. NaViGate Bharat Portal: Unified Hub for Government VideosThe ‘NaViGate Bharat’ portal, developed by the New Media Wing, acts as a National Video Gateway, offering citizens a unified platform to search, stream, share, and download videos related to various government schemes, initiatives, and campaigns. The portal simplifies access to authentic government information and connects citizens with welfare schemes and initiatives.Key Features of ‘NaViGate Bharat’ Portal:- Dedicated Pages for Ministries, Sectors, Schemes, Campaigns.- Easy Navigation & Search.- Categorization & Tagging.- Seamless Video Playback & Streaming.- Download & Sharing Options.- Advanced Search Functionality.National Register for LCOs: Strengthening Cable SectorThe National Register for Local Cable Operators (LCOs) centralizes registration under a web form, promising a more organized cable sector. The portal introduces National Registration Numbers for LCOs, facilitating regulatory processes. A centralized portal for online registration is under development, paving the way for a structured and efficient cable sector.
Background:The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act, 2023) revolutionizes the registration process for periodicals, introducing a seamless online system for title allotment and registration without the need for physical submissions. The PRP Act has received the Presidential assent in December 2023 and is likely to be notified in the near future.Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) is a vital unit within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, established on December 8, 2017, through the amalgamation of the erstwhile Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), and Song & Drama Division (S&DD). More than 7000 publishers, nearly 551 Television Channels, 388 Private FM channels, and around 360 Community Radio Stations are currently empanelled with CBC and do regular business with the Government body.These initiatives collectively mark a significant leap towards a digitized and modernized media landscape in India. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reaffirms its commitment to fostering innovation, transparency, and progress in the media sector.
