Anurag Thakur, Information & Broadcasting (I&B) minister said in Lok Sabha that, The Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) has granted registrations to 1,44,520 publications till 31st March 2021. He said that the details of the same are published in the ‘Press in India (2020-21)’ report available on RNI’s website.
Thakur stated, “It has come to the notice of RNI that a number of registered newspapers have not furnished their Annual Statements for the last several years.” As per Section 19(D) of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, all the registered publishers are required to file an Annual Statement with RNI every year which inter alia includes details of publications made during the year.
On accredited journalists, Thakur said that the Press Information Bureau (PIB) grants accreditation in accordance with Guidelines for Grant of Accreditation to working journalists and other categories of persons at the headquarters of the Government of India. State Governments have their own norms and guidelines relating to the accreditation of media persons.
