RNI asks newspaper publishers to file their annual statements regularly

The Registrar of Newspaper for India (RNI) has asked publishers to file their annual statements, while noting that many publishers are not filing their annual statement regularly with RNI. The annual statements filed by the publishers across India are used to analyse and compile the growth of print media in the country in RNI’s annual report, ‘Press in India’.

As per Section 19D of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 (PRB Act) an Annual Statement in Form-ll, prescribed in the Registration of Newspapers (Central) Rules 1956, is required to be submitted to the Press Registrar on or before the last day of May each year.

In a circular issued, RNI stated, “However, many publishers are not filing their annual statement regularly with RNI. As per 2017-18 and 2018-19 Press In India data, only 31,717 and 37,410 publishers had filed their annual statement out of 118,239 and 119,995 registered newspapers in India.”

RNI further pointed out, “The violation of not filing of annual statement by the publisher is Rs 1,000 per financial year and as such, many publishers are preferring to pay the fine rather than filing their annual statement, which is mandatory as per the PRB Act, 1867.”

While emphasising that the actual growth of print media in the country can only be analysed if the publishers file their annual statements on time, RNI has written to publisher bodies such as Newspaper Association of India, Indian Newspaper Society, All India Small & Medium Newspaper Federation, and All India Small Newspapers Association asking them to write to all newspapers affiliated to their organisation and inform the publishers to file their annual statements regularly.