New Delhi, Feb 22: Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur Thursday launched four portals that promise to revolutionise the media landscape in India.
These initiatives are aimed at ensuring ease of doing business by fostering a more conducive business environment for newspaper publishers and TV channels, enhancing transparency and efficiency in government communication, providing easy access to
authentic government videos, and creating a comprehensive database of Local Cable Operators (LCOs) enabling the government to streamline regulatory processes in the cable television sector in future.
Addressing the audience present on the occasion, the minister said that today, India was viewed as an attractive destination for investment, with global companies eager to establish businesses there.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on transformative governance and economic reforms had greatly improved the ease of doing business in India and said that this had led to increased investment from both existing businesses and new entrepreneurs.
“The startup ecosystem, in particular, has flourished, with a significant increase in the number of startups and unicorns,” Thakur said.
Elaborating on recognition of the government’s achievements towards improving ease of doing business, he said that these had been recognised globally, as evidenced by its improved rankings in international indices like the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index and the Logistic Performance Index.
The I&B minister said that the success of platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) reflects the government’s efforts to create a level playing field for MSMEs and small businesses.
He said that PM Modi’s leadership had not only focused on economic reforms but also on fostering a mindset transformation and recognising entrepreneurs as partners in national development.
“This approach has led to increased wealth creation, job opportunities, and higher incomes, benefiting the country’s overall welfare and development,” Thakur said.
Earlier, Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, Sanjay Jaju said that these initiatives would help streamline and increase the government’s engagement with the media.
“These will foster not just transparency and innovation and help improve the functioning of the departments,” he said.
PRESS SEWA PORTAL
The Press Sewa Portal aims to streamline newspaper registration.
The portal, developed under the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act, 2023) by the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI – erstwhile RNI), is a monumental step towards complete automation of the process for newspaper registration and other related processes.
This portal, designed under the PRP Act 2023, aims to simplify the cumbersome registration procedures that were prevalent under the colonial PRB Act, 1867.
KEY FEATURES
Online Application: Publishers can file applications for title registration online, using Aadhar-based e-signatures.
Probability Meter: Indicates the likelihood of title availability.
Real-time Tracking of Applications Status: Accessible through an intuitively designed dashboard.
Dedicated DM Module: Enables District Magistrates to manage applications received from publishers in a centralised dashboard.
New Website: Along with the portal, the website offers easy access to relevant information, featuring an AI-based chatbot for user-friendly interactions.
Benefits of Automation: Online services for Title Registration, paperless processes with e-sign facilities, integration of a Direct Payment Gateway, QR code-based digital certificates, a module for press keepers and owners enabling online intimation about printing press, efficient tracking of newspaper registration, and quick grievance resolution through a chatbot-based interactive Grievance Resolution Software.
TRANSPARENT EMPANELMENT MEDIA PLANNING AND EBILLING SYSTEM
Revolutionising media planning In addition to the Press Sewa Portal, the ministry is introducing the Transparent Empanelment, Media Planning and eBilling System for the Central Bureau of Communication. CBC provides comprehensive 360-degree media and communication solutions to Ministries, Departments, PSUs, and autonomous bodies.
The new system of CBC is designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in media planning processes and provide an end-to-end ERP solution for the media industry for doing business in a paperless and faceless environment.
Key Features
Streamlined Empanelment Process: An online system for the empanelment of newspapers, periodicals, TV, Radio and digital media to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Automated Media Planning: Enhanced tools and features for the online generation of media plans with minimal manual intervention, resulting in a drastic reduction in time in preparing the media plan.
Automated Billing: Integration of an eBilling processing system for seamless and transparent bill submission, verification and payment.
Mobile App: A comprehensive mobile app for partners with a tamper-proof timestamp and geo-tagging functionality for organised monitoring.
Reliable and Intelligent Solution: The portal is integrated with the latest technology to assist in making real-time analytical reports and enable organisation to make data-driven decisions.
Promoting Ease of Doing Business: The online transparent system ensures faster empanelment, hassle-free business environment, automated compliance and swifter payment thereby significantly increasing the ease of doing business.
Dedicated IVR Helpdesk for Quick Issue Resolution: CBC has established a dedicated IVR support team stationed at CBC with dedicated helpline numbers to provide quick query and issue resolution services for clients and partners.
NAVIGATE BHARAT PORTAL
The NaViGate Bharat Portal or the National Video Gateway of Bharat, developed by the New Media Wing of the Ministry, is a unified bilingual platform which hosts videos on the entire gamut of Government’s development-related and citizen welfare-oriented measures.
‘NaViGate Bharat’ empowers citizens by providing a single platform with an interactive user interface to search, stream, share, and download videos related to various Government schemes, initiatives, and campaigns, with a filter-based advanced search option.
The portal eliminates the hassle of searching for official and reliable information from multiple sources, providing a one-stop platform for media and the general public.
‘NaViGate Bharat’ connects the last person standing in the queue with the Government’s welfare schemes and measures, ensuring that no one is left behind in understanding the initiatives shaping our nation’s future as it moves ahead on the path of becoming a Viksit Bharat.
Key Features
Dedicated pages for ministries, sectors, schemes, and campaigns: NaviGate Bharat offers dedicated pages for ministries, sectors, schemes, and campaigns. With detailed descriptions for all videos, these pages provide a holistic view of Government initiatives.
Easy Navigation and Search: Easy access for users to find the videos they are looking for.
Categorisation and Tagging: Categories or tags that will allow users to search for videos by topic and keyword.
Seamless Video Playback and Streaming: Video player and Streaming capabilities for a seamless viewing experience.
Download and Sharing Options: Users will be allowed to download and share videos with others through social media platforms.
Advanced Search Functionality: Filter-based Advanced Search functionality on the Home page and each section of the portal.
NATIONAL REGISTER FOR LCOS
Strengthening the Cable Sector National Register for Local Cable Operators (LCOs) is the first step to bring registration of LCOs currently with Post Offices spread across the country under a Centralised Registration System.
A web form has been designed to collect information from local cable operators for the National Register.
The National Register for LCOs has also been published online and is being updated regularly.
This promises a more organised cable sector with a National Registration Number for an LCO, making it easier to formulate new policies for responsible service and convenience for cable operators.
A centralised portal for online registration is in the process of development.
The LCO National Register facility opens new possibilities for the cable sector, aligning with the vision of a developed India.
These initiatives collectively mark a significant leap towards a digitised and modernised media landscape in India.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, transparency, and progress in the media sector.