Step-by-Step Efiling for Press Sewa Portal Registration

The Press Sewa Portal offers a streamlined online registration system for publishers, printers, and newspaper owners. This platform simplifies the process of registering and managing printing presses, making it easier for industry professionals to comply with regulations and stay up-to-date with their documentation.

The Press Sewa Portal provides a user-friendly interface to register newspapers, update printer information, and manage titles. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of efiling on the portal, covering everything from initial registration to post-registration procedures. Whether you're a seasoned publisher or new to the industry, this article will help you navigate the online registration process with ease, ensuring your printing press operations are properly documented and compliant.

Understanding Press Sewa Portal

The Press Sewa Portal, initiated by the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), represents a significant advancement in the newspaper registration process in India. This online platform leverages advanced IT solutions to digitise and streamline various aspects of newspaper registration and management 

Key Features

The Press Sewa Portal offers several innovative features to enhance the efficiency of newspaper registration:

1- Online Application: Publishers can file applications for periodical registration using Aadhar-based e-signatures 

2- Probability Meter: This tool indicates the likelihood of title availability, helping publishers make informed decisions 

3- Real-time Tracking: An intuitive dashboard allows users to track their application status in real-time 

4- Dedicated Module for Authorities: A centralised dashboard for Specified Authorities of states helps manage applications efficiently 1. Paperless Process: The portal facilitates a completely paperless process with e-sign facilities 

5- Direct Payment Gateway: Integrated payment system for registration and other fees 

6- QR Code-based Certificates: Digital certificates with QR codes are available for instant download 

7- Press Keepers Module: This feature allows for online intimation about printing presses and efficient tracking of printed newspapers.

8- Grievance Resolution: A chatbot-based interactive Grievance Resolution Software for quick issue resolution 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to use the Press Sewa Portal, individuals must be working in media-related professions. This includes:

1. Journalists

2. Photographers

3. Other media professionals 

Required Documents

To register on the Press Sewa Portal, the following documents are necessary:

1. Proof of identity: A government-issued ID card

2. Proof of employment in the media industry: This can be a press card or a letter from the employer

3. A passport-sized photograph It's important to note that the name of the publisher/owner/applicant entered in the Portal should match exactly with the name recorded in their Aadhaar Card for using the e-sign facility .

Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Owner Registration

The registration process on the Press Sewa Portal begins with the owner of the proposed periodical. To start, the owner needs to:

1.Visit the Press Sewa Portal

2.Sign up and create a profile by providing necessary documents and details

3.Propose five titles for the periodical in order of priority 

During the sign-up process, the owner should fill in the required details, including selecting the periodicals they own from the list provided . It's crucial to ensure that the name entered in the portal matches exactly with the name on the Aadhaar Card for e-sign purposes.

Publisher Appointment

After creating their profile, the owner proceeds to:

1.Extend invitations to designated publishers associated with their periodicals through the portal

1. Add publishers by entering their contact information (email address and phone number)

The invited publishers are then required to:

1.Create their own profiles on the portal by furnishing relevant documents and details 

2.Sign up as a publisher by filling in the necessary information

Application Submission

Once the profiles are set up, the publisher can submit the registration application. This process involves:

1.Selecting or nominating the printer from the Press Sewa database

2.If the printer is not in the database, requesting them to create an online profile 

3.Filling out the main registration form with all relevant details and documents

4.E-signing the application

5.Paying the prescribed fee of ₹1000 through Bharatkosh 

Upon successful submission, a unique Applicant Reference Number (ARN) is assigned to the application . The publisher can then track the application status in real-time using the intuitive dashboard provided by the Press Sewa Portal

Post-Registration Procedures

Obtaining ARN

After submitting the application and paying the ₹1000 fee on the Press Sewa Portal, the system generates a unique 10-digit Applicant Reference Number (ARN).This ARN serves as a crucial identifier for all future correspondences and references related to the application. Publishers should keep this number handy to track their application status and for any communication with the authorities.

Addressing Deficiencies

The Press Registrar General's office conducts a thorough review of the application, checking for completeness, payment of fees, and adherence to guidelines. If any deficiencies are found, the office communicates these issues to the publisher within seven working days of receiving the application.

Publishers have a 30-day window to rectify these deficiencies. Notably, if these issues are not resolved within the designated timeframe, the application may be rejected. The Press Sewa Portal streamlines this process by enabling publishers to submit their responses online.

In cases where the Press Registrar General decides not to grant registration, an online communication is issued to the publisher detailing the reasons.The publisher then has ten days to submit a reply through the Press Sewa Portal. After considering the reply, the Press Registrar General may either grant or refuse registration.

Downloading Certificate

Upon successful verification of the application and title options, and if no other deficiencies are identified, the Press Registrar General issues a registration certificate 1. This certificate is available for instant download on the Press Sewa Portal and comes with a QR code for easy verification 

FAQs

What is the Press Sewa Portal?

The Press Sewa Portal facilitates paperless operations and provides services such as e-sign capabilities, a digital payment gateway, QR code-based digital certificates for immediate download, an online system for notifications by printing presses, a tool to check the likelihood of title availability, and online access to registration data.

How can I register print media in India?

To register newspapers in India under the PRP Act 2023, applicants need to submit an online application via the Press Sewa Portal. This process is designed to be straightforward and efficient.

How do I submit an RNI annual statement?

Publishers must file an annual return through the online press service portal as per the schedule notified by the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI). Failure to submit the annual return on time may result in penalties.

What is the process for registering a magazine in India?

To register a magazine in India, the following steps are necessary: submit an application, obtain a title approval letter, provide a declaration (Form-1) authorised by the Department, enter into an agreement with a printing press, submit a declaration by the keeper of the printing press, ensure there is no foreign tie-up agreement, provide an FDI affidavit, and include an imprint line.