National Press Day | UPSC CSE

Why in News: India observed National Press Day on 16 November 2025, celebrating the role of a free, responsible, and independent press as a pillar of Indian democracy.

Background and Significance

• National Press Day marks the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) on 16 November 1966, originally under the Indian Press Council Act, 1965.
• The 1965 Act was repealed during the Emergency (1975), and the PCI was reconstituted under a new Act in 1979.
• The idea of a statutory press regulator emerged from the First Press Commission (1956), which emphasised the need to:
  • safeguard press freedom
  • uphold ethical standards
  • ensure accountability inside the profession
• The day highlights the media’s role as the fourth pillar of democracy, essential for transparency, public awareness, and holding power to account.

Growth of India’s Media Landscape

• India’s print media has expanded rapidly, with registered publications rising from 60,143 (2004–05) to 1.54 lakh (2024–25).
• This growth reflects the increasing reach, diversity, and resilience of India’s media ecosystem.

Key Institutional Pillars of Media Governance

Press Council of India (PCI)

• A statutory autonomous body under the Press Council Act, 1978.
• Mandate:
  • Preserve press freedom
  • Improve standards of newspapers and news agencies
• Functions:
  • Hears complaints related to press freedom violations and ethical breaches.
  • May act suo motu in cases concerning public interest, journalist safety, or media standards.

Press Registrar General of India (PRGI)

• Formerly the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI); re-designated under the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Act, 2023.
• Regulates periodical registration, reflecting print media’s historical role in:
  • the freedom movement
  • public opinion shaping
  • democratic participation

Key Legal Reforms

Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Act, 2023

• Replaces the colonial Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867.
• Notified on 29 December 2023; enforced from 1 March 2024.
• Introduces:
  • fully online, integrated registration system
  • simultaneous title allotment and registration
  • paperless procedures
  • reduced compliance burden
  • decriminalisation of procedural lapses
• Supported by PRP Rules, 2024.

Source: PIB

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