Anurag Thakur, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, recently inaugurated four crucial portals as part of the ministry’s digital initiatives. The unveiled portals include the Press Sewa Portal, the Central Bureau of Communication portal and website, the NaViGate Bharat Portal, and the National Register for Local Cable Operators.
Digital Leap for Transparency and Efficiency
During the launch, Thakur emphasized that the primary objective behind these portals is to introduce transparency and streamline processes within the ministry. The digital platforms are designed to reduce human intervention, making the operations of the concerned departments more efficient and transparent. Thakur highlighted that these initiatives align with the government’s broader agenda of promoting transparency and ease of doing business.
Press and Registration Bill 2023: A Landmark in Media Regulation
One of the significant developments mentioned by the Minister is the recent passage of the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill 2023 by the Parliament. This legislation, ending a colonial-era law, ensures that journalists can obtain registration for newspapers or periodicals within two months instead of the earlier two-year timeframe.
Thakur underscored India’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment, attributing it to several reforms undertaken by the Modi government that have propelled the Indian economy forward.
Sanjay Jaju, the Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, expressed that these digital initiatives would help streamline and enhance the ministry’s engagement with the media.
Empowering Media and Public with Cutting-edge Portals
The Press Sewa Portal, crafted under the PRP Act 2023, aims to simplify the registration procedures that were previously intricate under the colonial PRB Act, 1867. Alongside the portal, a user-friendly website has been introduced to provide easy access to relevant information, featuring an AI-based chatbot for seamless interactions.
National Video Gateway of Bharat: A Unified Information Hub
The National Video Gateway of Bharat, developed by the New Media Wing of the Ministry, acts as a unified bilingual platform hosting videos related to the government’s development initiatives and citizen welfare measures. The portal serves as a one-stop platform for media and the general public, eliminating the need to search for official and reliable information from multiple sources.
