• 16 May 2024
• Nishi Chawala
• 1

RNI Registration for Printing Press and Newspapers in India

Introduction

In India, if you want to start a newspaper, journal or any printed publication, you must obtain an RNI Registration from the Registrar of the Newspapers. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, control this procedure. 

It is very important before starting any activities in the field of paper-based media. The main aspects of RNI title registration are the maintenance of a Register of Newspapers, issuing of Registration Certificates, and checking circulation claims and other related functions. Read the article to understand the requirements, forms, fees, and issuance process of the certificate.

What is RNI Registration?

The Registrar of Newspapers for India oversees RNI registration. It is mandatory under the Press and Registration of Books Act, of 1867. It acts as an official approval for newspapers, magazines, and publications running in India. RNI is the protector of the newspaper and periodical media landscape engaged in the systematic recording of newspapers and periodicals to guarantee transparency and compliance with the regulatory norms. Obtaining RNI Title Registration gives publishers a unique identity and it also proves their adherence to the ethical regulation of the industry.  

Process of Registration

The registration process for a publication requires several essential steps:

Verification of the Title:

Before anything else, it is necessary to check the title of your publication. Thus, it guarantees the title's originality and avoids any clash with the already published materials. The District Magistrate (DM) is in charge of this verification process where you will have to submit an application containing the following details:

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•  Name of the newspaper
•  Owner's name
•  Language of circulation
•  Periodicity
•  And the proposed area of publication.

After the DM checks these details, the application is transferred to the RNI. After the RNI accepts, they will issue a letter of title verification, which is the confirmation of the title's availability. Subsequently, the publisher submits a declaration to the District Magistrate, which gives them the green light to publish the newspaper.

Authentication of Declaration:

The relevant authority (DM/DC/SDM/DCP/JCP/CMM, etc.) must be submitted with the title verification letter from the RNI as soon as it is received. along with a duly filled declaration (Form-I) for authentication. If the publisher and printer are two different persons, two separate declarations are needed from each.

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• Besides, if the publication and printing press are in different districts, two separate declarations are required from both districts. The publisher files the declaration from the district of publication, and the printer files it from the district of the printing press.
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Publication of the First Issue:

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• The PRB Act 1867 states that the first issue of the publication should be released within certain time frames depending on its periodicity. For the daily or weekly publications, the authentication of the declaration should be within 42 days. The publications that are done fortnightly or less frequently should be within 90 days.
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• If the publication and printing press are in different districts, the date of the authentication of the publication's declaration filed by the publisher decides the beginning of the first issue. Any delay will require a new declaration.
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• The first issue has to be published in the press referred to in the declaration and should contain news, views, articles, etc. The content should be released in the specified languages if it's a bilingual or multilingual publication.
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RNI Registration Fees

If you're looking for information on RNI registration fees, here are the details: The cost for RNI registration starts from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. There is an additional government ₹1000 or no professional fees.

Required Documents for the Final Registration

To complete the RNI Registration for Printing Press, you'll need these documents: 

 Title Verification Letter: Get a duplicate of the title verification letter issued by RNI.

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•  Declaration (Form-1): The Form-1, signed by a designated authority like
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•  DM/DC/SDM/JCP/CMM, and filed by the Publisher is the complete Form-1.
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•  Written Agreement: Make a written contract between the owners of the periodical and, if different, the owners of the printing press. The agreement must be signed by both the parties.
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•  First Issue Copy: Submit a copy of the first issue, especially Volume 1, Issue 1. Ensure the following:
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  •  The declaration is published within 42 days of authentication.
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  •  Unmistakably marked as Volume 1, Issue 1 on the front page.
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  •  It consists of the printed title, page numbers, and publication date.
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  •  The masthead was given in a uniform font/letter size with little to no variation.
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  •  It includes public news, views, or comments.
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  •  It is published only in languages that are approved by the RNI.
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  •  It refrains from using symbols, graphics, emoticons, etc. in place of letters.
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  •  The imprint line in every copy contains the correct and complete information.
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  • Printer Agreement Authorization: Give a signed copy of the printer agreement authorization. This must be in writing from the owner(s), authorizing the individual (by name) to make and subscribe to the declaration as the publisher/printer if the declarer is not the owner.
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Wrapping Up

The RNI Certificate is not only a legal requirement, but it is also a way of obtaining legitimacy and growth for publishers in India. Following the given procedure and submitting the required documents, publishers set up the ground for the legal protection of their intellectual property. For those who want to be publishers, getting RNI Registration is not just a step, but a leap toward a bright future in the print media field. Connect with Agile Regulatory to register your publishing company, printing press, newspaper title, and magazine.

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