New Delhi: The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, today launched four revolutionary portals aimed at transforming the media landscape in India. These initiatives focus on facilitating business for newspaper publishers and TV channels, improving government communication transparency and efficiency, providing easy access to authentic Government videos, and establishing a comprehensive database of Local Cable Operators (LCOs) to streamline regulatory processes in the cable television sector.
In his address, the Minister highlighted India’s attractiveness as an investment destination, attributing it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on transformative governance and economic reforms. These reforms have enhanced the ease of doing business, attracting increased investment from both existing businesses and new entrepreneurs, particularly benefiting the flourishing startup ecosystem.
Thakur emphasized India’s global recognition for its improved rankings in indices like the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index and the Logistic Performance Index. He also lauded platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for creating a level playing field for MSMEs and small businesses, reflecting Prime Minister Modi’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship for national development.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, highlighted how these initiatives would enhance engagement with the media, fostering transparency, innovation, and improved departmental functioning.
The Press Sewa Portal, developed under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act, 2023) by the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI – erstwhile RNI), aims to automate newspaper registration and related processes. It simplifies cumbersome registration procedures, offering online application filing with Aadhar-based e-signatures, real-time tracking of application status, and a dedicated dashboard for District Magistrates to manage applications.
Additionally, a new website accompanies the portal, featuring an AI-based chatbot for user-friendly interactions. The automation benefits include paperless processes with e-sign facilities, QR code-based digital certificates, and quick grievance resolution through a chatbot-based interactive software.
The Transparent Empanelment, Media Planning, and eBilling System introduced for the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in media planning processes. This system streamlines empanelment processes, automates media planning with minimal manual intervention, integrates an eBilling processing system, and offers a comprehensive mobile app for partners with geotagging functionality for monitoring.
The system promotes ease of doing business by ensuring faster empanelment, a hassle-free environment, automated compliance, and swifter payment. Additionally, a dedicated IVR support team is established to provide quick query and issue resolution services for clients and partners.
These initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of I&B promise to revolutionize the media landscape in India, fostering transparency, efficiency, and a conducive environment for businesses in the sector.