Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023
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.
