What are the requirements for RNI registration in India?

For those who are looking forward to start their own newspaper, RNI registration is the legal license. Provided by the Registrar of Newspaper and governed by an ancient Press and Newspapers Act 1867, it’s this license that now many are seeking.

And not just the ones that are publishing news on paper.

Even those who want to publish online news, now have to get the RNI registration for the online news portal.

This article is targeted towards not only them, but also the ones who want to restore the ways of the old, and restore faith in the news media that exist, because god knows we need it.

So, let’s take a look into the requirements of RNI registration in India.

Process of RNI registration in India

The primary requirement of RNI registration is the governmental “trial by fire”, or, if you want to less dramatic about it, the RNI online registration process. This process is a combination of two different registrations – one for the title and the one for publication.

The process to get approval for the title of Newspaper aka the RNI title registration process:

1.    Choose a title for your publication: Remember that being unique is not the only aspect of your title that you should aspire to, you should also follow the RNI guideline conventions. So, read the nomenclature guidelines and only then choose a title

2.    Check to see if the title is available for the taking: Once you’ve made your choice regarding the title of newspaper, check to see if it’s available for taking. After going through the guidelines and taking pains to choose a unique name won’t be enough if such a name already exist in the publication field.

3.     File the online application for RNIR registration certificate: The application doesn’t only need to be filed online. Once you file it, and submit the documents, and pay the RNI registration fees, you’d need to take the application’s printout. Once that’s done, you’re supposed to submit the application to DM/DCP/CMM/SDM/DC etc. The one you have to submit the application to depend upon your state.

4.    Getting the title verified: If and when your application is accepted, the title of your publication will be verified.

 The process of getting approval for the publication of the newspaper aka the RNI publication registration

1.    Upon receiving RNI verification letter, submit a declaration to the Sub divisional magistrate to get it authenticated.

2.    After the authentication, you’d have to publish the first issue of your newspaper:

a.    Within the next 42 days if you intend to publish daily or weekly.

b.    Within the next 90 days if you intend to publish fortnightly or monthly. 

3.    After your first publication is approved, you’ll get the RNI registration certification to publish it in India.

Document requirement for obtaining the registration

Following are the documents required for RNI registration for the title verification:

1.    ID proof of the applicant

2.    Residential proof of the applicant

3.    NOC from the publisher if the newspaper is foreign

4.    Copy of the previous title of the newspaper, if any

5.    A photograph, preferably passport sized.

Following are the documents required for RNI registration to get approval for the publication:

1.    Title verification letter,

2.    Authenticated declaration received by the SDM

3.    Copy of the first issue of your news paper

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many requirements that you need to consider to get the registration to get your newspaper published. Thus, it’s best consult an RNI certification agent. They are the friends you need to guide your newspaper dreams inside the RNI registry. Consult with them when you can.