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RNI LICENSE

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RNI LICENSE

In India, the Press and Books Registration Act 1867 governs the publication of books, journals, and newspapers. A organization established by amending the Press and Registration of Books (PRB) legislation 1867, the Office of the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) is established by the legislation.

The Registrar of Newspapers of India is referred to as RNI. Establishing a newspaper, magazine, or journal business in India requires RNI registration. The Press and Books Registration Act of 1867 governs the whole publishing sector in India. This is one of the industries that growing the fastest right now.

The Registrar of the Newspapers must provide the owners of a newspaper, magazine, or printed publication an RNI registration before they can begin operations in India. The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 (PRB) governs and establishes regulations for the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) by our Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. To launch a newspaper, magazine, journal, etc. business, the RNI must be approved.

OBJECTIVES OF RNI REGISTRATION

• Ensuring a newspaper registrar's management and compliance.
• Verification of the circulation claims made by publishers on their yearly report.
• Confirmation of the circulation claims made by publishers in their annual reports.
• Granting registration for newspapers that have been issued with a valid declaration.
• Notifying district magistrates of prospective publishers' availability to make declarations.
• Annual reports filed by registered holders under the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867 are inspected and audited.
• Ensuring that publications are produced in accordance with the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867 and its implementing rules.

THE PERSON WHO NEED TO GET REGISTERED UNDER RNI

Any individual or legal entity engaged in or planning to start a newspaper, magazine, journal, etc. printing business.

1. The Indian newspaper to operate a newspaper in India, an organization or business must first register as an RNI. Regional newspapers would also require an RNI registration.

2. Editorials All editorials, including those in newspapers, need to be registered with the RNI.

3. International Journal To print a newspaper in India, a foreign newspaper company or organization must first register for RNI.

4. Magazines Publications of any kind, in any language, must be registered with RNI.

PRE –REQUISITES OF RNI REGISTRATION

• Address of the business location.
• A date mark and the page number.
• Number of issue and volume.
• The organization's name and address.
• Publisher, printer, or editor name widely shown on the cover page and other pages

THE REGISTRATION PROCESS

The stages involved in registering the publication or periodical are as follows:

1. Title Verification

Verifying a newspaper's title is the first and most crucial stage in the registration process.
The goal of this procedure is to guarantee the title's availability and prevent future disputes. These data are confirmed by the District Magistrate (DM), who then grants his approval. To have your title verified, you must submit an application that includes:

• The newspaper's title
• The proprietor's name
• The circulating language
• The periodicity of The suggested publication area

The proper District Magistrate must be informed of this information. After confirming these credentials, the DM sends the application to the RNI. RNI issue a letter of verification of title availability to inform the publisher and the DMBefore the publication of newspaper, the publisher must submit a declaration to the DM. When the title is being approved, the following terms cannot be used:
1. Channel
2. Book
3. shortened word
4. Gazette
5. Having a religious attitude
6. Vulgar language
7. Government officials' leaders

2. Declaration Authentication

After attainment of title verification letter from the RNI, it must be delivered to the relevant authority for authentication together with a duly completed declaration (Form-I).

It is necessary for both the publisher and the printer to make separate declarations if they are different people. The printer can file the declaration from the printing press district, and the publisher can file it from the district or site of publishing.

3. First Issue Publication

According to the PRB Act of 1867, the first number, be it daily or weekly, will come into the scene within 42 days after the authentication of the statement. If the periodicity were two weeks and above, the first issue could be issued within 90 days from the time the issue of declaration concerned is authenticated.

If the place of publication and printing press is in two different district then The date from the declaration of the place of publication is counted as 42/90 days for initiating the first issue.

The updated declaration shall be made where the first issue will be released after the proprietary affidavit is delayed.

The details set out in the declaration should be published in print. News, views, articles, etc., shall only be included.

News, views, articles, and other materials shall be published in the official languages employed for publications in different languages.

The date of the publisher's place of publication declaration's authentication will be taken into account when determining the 42/90 days needed to start the first issue if the printing press and the place of publication are in different districts. A updated declaration should be filed if the first issue's release is delayed.

The press mentioned in the declaration must print the publication. Only updates, views, articles, etc., should be included. News, opinions, articles, and other content should be published in the languages specified in bilingual or multilingual publications.

RNI VERIFICATION PROCESS

• Go to the Web Portal: The applicant must go to the official web portal in order to start the process.
• Review the guidelines: In addition to carefully reading the website's instructions, the applicant should look out for any developments with regard to the title verification procedure. The 'online title application' tab should be clicked.
• Check Application: To avoid any problems obtaining the title, the applicant must carefully go over all of the information provided before moving on with the application for title verification.
• Fill out the application and submit it : The applicant must submit all necessary information along with full publication details. Include a working email address and a working mobile number.
• Application to Authority: The proper authorities, such as Delhi's DCP, who manage RNI registration issues, must receive the application for title verification.
• Review of RNI Applications: The application, along with the applicant's name, signature, and seal, will be sent to RNI by the authority. After receiving the hard copy, RNI will look into the application. Only after the hard copy arrives at RNI does processing start. It is recommended that applicants save a signed physical copy for their records.
• RNI Reference Number: After receiving the hard copy, RNI will examine it and provide an RNI reference number. The applicant's registered email address and mobile number will receive this reference number.
• Check the status of your application: Using the DM number or RNI reference number, applicants can monitor the status of their applications or the verification of their RNI titles online.
• Get a copy of the letter confirming the title: The applicant can download the title verification letter as the last step. If the qualifications are met, the title will be accepted; if not, it will be denied.

LIST OF DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION

The list of documents needed to register a newspaper or publication is as follows:

• A copy of the RNI-issued title verification letter.
• The Publisher's Declaration (Form-1), properly verified by DM/DC/SDM/JCP/CMM.
. • Signed contract between the periodical's owners. If the owner of the printing press and the owner of the periodical are not the same, their signatures must appear on the presented agreement.
• A copy of volume 1, issue 1 (the first issue).Please ensure the following when filing the first issue:
• The periodical's first issue is released forty-two days after the declaration's authentication date. The front page of the first issue prominently displays Volume 1, Issue 1.
• The name, which is printed on the top of the page, page numbers, and the full publication date are all included in the issue.
• The official type of font and the same letter size of the masthead or title are the same. Anything larger than 25% should be the same.
• Public news, opinions, and comments are available in the previously published newspaper or magazine.
• Newspapers and magazines can only use those languages which fall under the permission of RNI.
• Do not use pictures with an alternate symbol in the title or replace any part of the title with drawings or symbols. Every printed copy's imprint line needs to have accurate and elaborate information.In the case where the publisher or printer making a declaration is not the owner, a signed copy of the printer agreement authorization in writing from the owner or owners, allowing the individual (by name) to make and subscribe declaration as publisher/printer.

BENEFITS OF RNI REGISTRATION

1. Reasonable Compliance

Any registered company or organization involved in the publication of newspapers, journals, etc. is required to follow the rules set by the Press and Registration of Books Act and the regulations issued under it.

2. Protection of the title

The publishing company or any publisher will obtain title protection through RNI registration since it is essential in the publishing sector.

3. Protection Against Third-Party Claims

The register would be protected from any false claims made by any other person in addition to security for ownership and title. Additionally, this kind of registration offers defense against any issues relating to copyright.

4. Recognition

RNI registration ensures a degree of acknowledgment for the registered company or entity in India's newspaper and publication area.

5. Commercial Benefit:

Many private and public advertisers prefer that their advertisements run in periodicals and newspapers where their RNIs are registered.

Registering increases reputation and increases the possibility of obtaining advertising arrangements, which can be a significant revenue stream for publishers.

POST REGISTRATION COMPLIANCE

• FORM NO. IV which is a statement regarding ownership and other detail of the newspaper should be filled on the very first day of march.
• Annual Statement in form II on or before the last day of May every year.

DUTIES OF RNI

The RNI is in charge of performing a number of responsibilities. The following is a list of the tasks that RNI completes: -
• Administration and Compliance of a Newspaper Registrar.
• Granting a Certificate of Registration to a newspaper that is published in accordance with rule and regulations.
• Newspaper owners' yearly statements are inspected and complied with under the Press and Registration of Books Act of 1867.
• Encouraging publishers to submit declarations by informing the district magistrates of the existence of specific titles ensuring that the rules and regulation are followed

  • FAQ
1. What is RNI Registration?

In India, newspapers, magazines, and journals are registered with the government through the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) registration process. It guarantees that the publication is accepted by law and conforms with the standards established by the government.

In order to establish a distinctive title for the magazine, obtain legal recognition, and make sure the publication conforms with circulation and distribution requirements, RNI registration is essential. Additionally, it allows publishers to use postal subsidies for distribution.

The RNI requires registration from any newspaper, magazine, journal, or periodical that has a regular circulation. Print and digital periodicals that satisfy the circulation requirements are included in this.

• A copy of the newspaper/magazine (proof of the publication).
• A declaration of ownership (including details of the publisher).
• Proof of address for the publisher.
• Details of the editorial staff and ownership.
• Language of publication and frequency.
• Other supporting documents as required by RNI guidelines.

The application for RNI registration can be made online through the official RNI website (https://rni.nic.in) or in person at the RNI office. Publishers need to fill out the prescribed forms, submit the required documents, and follow up for approval.

Depending on how thorough the application is and how many documents are verified, the RNI registration procedure can take three to six months.

Yes, there is a registration fee. The exact amount varies based on the category of publication and its frequency. Details can be found on the official RNI website.

You might not be allowed to utilize a title that is already registered with the RNI unless the title is available or the prior publication has been ceased. The RNI must authorize a new title.

• Credibility and legal recognition.
• The RNI registration number (ISSN) can be used.
• The postal service provides distribution subsidies.
• Defense against duplicate titles.

Publications that are not registered with RNI may have legal problems, such as limited reach, lack of legal recognition, and trouble obtaining postal services. Furthermore, the publication could not be eligible for any government grants or subsidies.