Chandigarh: A hybrid-mode workshop was organised today at UT Guest House, Chandigarh, under the leadership of India’s Press Registrar General (PRGI) Yogesh Baveja for newspaper and magazine publishers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and the Chandigarh region. The purpose of the workshop was to address challenges faced in registration and related procedures, and to provide detailed information on the Press Sewa Portal and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023.
In his address, Press Registrar General Yogesh Baveja stated that the aim of the Press Sewa Portal is to bring transparency and ease to procedures related to registration, regulatory matters, and circulation verification of newspapers and magazines through digital means. He noted that publishers will now be able to perform all registration-related tasks online via the portal, saving time and money while ensuring transparency and improving efficiency and accountability.
He pointed out that the previous, colonial-era legislation was designed to serve British interests, with a complex and burdensome registration process. The new act aligns with the objectives of Digital India and ensures a simpler, faster, and more transparent online process, promoting ease of doing business.
Yogesh Baveja said the launch of the Press Sewa Portal is a significant step in the collective effort to modernise and streamline the process of registration and regulation of newspapers and magazines in India. This digital platform reflects the spirit of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and demonstrates the government’s commitment to leveraging technology in service of the press community.
During the workshop, PRGI officials addressed the concerns of publishers through both online and offline modes and resolved several issues on the spot.
Earlier, Vivek Vaibhav, Additional Director General of the Press Information Bureau, Chandigarh, welcomed Yogesh Baveja and said that this was the first such workshop held in Chandigarh, which would prove to be highly beneficial for newspaper representatives. He expressed confidence that the event would be extremely useful for publishers and owners from Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
On this occasion, Deputy Press Registrar Ashutosh Mohle gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Press Sewa Portal and the new act, explaining various rules and procedures under the new law. He stated that the amended legislation has made the registration process more transparent, fair, and accessible. The attendees followed the session with great interest.
PIB Chandigarh’s Assistant Director Sheenam Jain delivered the vote of thanks, while Media and Communication Officer Ahmed Khan anchored the programme.
All attendees expressed their gratitude to PRGI for organising the workshop and requested that similar sessions be conducted periodically to ensure timely resolution of issues.