Union Cabinet decided to amend and propose the Press and Registration of Books Act as PRBP Act

The Union Cabinet has decided to amend the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 to streamline the age-old processes and to address certain issues governed by the Print Media Policy and the guidelines/rules.

The main features of the proposed Bill are as under:

• The new title would be Press and Registration of Books and Publications (PRBP) Act, 2010;
• Many new definitions such as 'publications', 'newspapers', 'magazines', 'journals', 'newsletter', etc. would be inserted;
• Internet edition of newspapers to be covered under the Act;
• Those convicted of terrorist acts or anything done against the security of the State would be prevented from bringing out a publication;
• Detailed provisions for verification of a title;
• Provisions to prevent blocking of titles to discourage non-serious publishers;
• Making statutory provision for circulation verification;
• Provisions with respect to limits on foreign news content (syndication) and foreign investments;
• Filing of annual statements by publishers to be made compulsory.