Organization Study on Kerala Kaumudi (P) Ltd
The Office of the Registrar of Newspapers for India, more popularly known as RNI
came into being on 1
st
July, 1956, on the recommendation of the First Press
Commission in 1953 and by amending the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867.
The Office of the Registrar of Newspapers for India is headquartered in New Delhi,
and has three regional offices at Calcutta, Mumbai and Chennai to cater to the needs
of publishers in all corners of the country.
RNI compiles and maintains a Register of Newspapers containing particulars about
all the newspapers published. It informs the District Magistrates about availability of
titles to intending publishers for filing declaration and issues Certificate of
Registration to the newspaper. It ensures that newspapers are published in accordance
with the provisions of the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867.
Printing and publishing of newspapers and periodicals within India are governed
by the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 and the Registration of Newspapers
(Central) Rules, 1956. According to the Act, no newspaper or periodical should bear
a title which is the same or similar to any other newspaper or periodical already being
published, either in the same language or in the same State, unless the latter is also
owned by the same person. In order to ensure compliance of this condition, the
Government of India has appointed the Registrar of Newspapers, also called the Press
Registrar, who maintains a register of newspapers and periodicals published in India.
After verification Press Registrar allots a RNI Number. After allotment of this
number only the Publishers get the authority to publish the paper. [This RNI Number
must be shown in every newspaper].
Table 2.1 The Press In India In 2005-06: at a glance
Periodicity Number Circulation
Dailies
2,130 8,88,63,048
Tri/Bi-Weeklies
39 5,66,198
Weeklies
3,428 5,05,80,648
Fortnightlies
955 1,23,09,948
Monthlies
1,471 2,11,36,710
Quarterlies
219 15,52,138
Annuals
49 29,86,256
5