The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is gearing up to launch four online portals, heralding a new era of digital communication and efficiency. These platforms, including the National Video Gateway of Bharat (NaViGate Bharat), a revamped website for newspaper and magazine registration, and a centralized platform for government advertisements, are poised to streamline processes and enhance accessibility.
The NaViGate Bharat platform will serve as a central repository for videos created by various central government ministries and departments, aggregating approximately 2,500 videos related to different government initiatives. This platform aims to provide a consolidated source for citizens to access official government content.
In tandem with the recently notified Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, the MIB is introducing the “Press Sewa Portal,” facilitating communication between the Press Registrar General of India and the owners, publishers, and printing presses of periodicals. All applications for registration certificates will be processed through this portal, offering a more efficient and transparent system.
Additionally, the MIB is set to unveil a new website for the Registrar of Newspapers of India (RNI), incorporating features like intimation by printers and submission of applications for title verification. The website will be rebranded as the website of the Press Registrar General under the new act.
The Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), responsible for government advertising, is launching the “Transparent Empanelment, Media Planning, and E-billing System” (TEMPEST). Developed by BECIL, this portal will streamline empanelment applications from various media outlets, introducing a centralized system for renewal rates and applications.
Although the e-billing feature is anticipated to be integrated with the finance ministry’s Public Financial Management System in the future, stability concerns dictate its delayed launch. Until March 31, the existing NIC system will run parallel to the new system. From April 1 onwards, all government campaign billing, including the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, will transition to the new system.
In a bid to enhance communication with local cable operators (LCOs), the MIB’s broadcasting division has introduced a new link on the Broadcast Seva Portal, allowing LCOs to register and obtain the national registration number.
The digital transformation is poised to revolutionize communication and administrative processes within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
