Launching a regional language newspaper in India requires registration with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), a body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Whether you are publishing in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, or any other regional language, obtaining RNI registration is mandatory before printing or distributing your newspaper legally.
With the shift to digital processes, RNI registration can now be initiated online through the official RNI portal. However, while the procedure remains broadly similar across languages, regional publications must ensure their documentation and declarations align with language-specific norms and legal standards. This article outlines the key steps and special considerations for online RNI registration of regional language newspapers.
Step 1: Title Verification
The process begins with submitting a title verification request on the RNI portal (https://rni.nic.in/). You must choose a unique and appropriate title in your desired regional language. The title should not resemble or duplicate an already registered or reserved name in that particular language or area. Once your title is verified and approved by the RNI office, you will receive a Title Verification Letter, which is valid for six months.
Step 2: Declaration (Form I)
After receiving title approval, the next step is filing Form I—a declaration made before the District Magistrate or a designated authority. For regional publications, this form must clearly mention the language of publication, periodicity (daily, weekly, fortnightly, etc.), name of the publisher, printer, and place of printing and publishing. If the publication is multilingual or bilingual, the details must reflect that accordingly.
Step 3: Printing and Submission of First Issue
After filing Form I and receiving authentication from the local authority, the publisher is required to print the first issue of the newspaper within 42 days (for daily publications) or 90 days (for others). A hard copy of the first issue, along with required documents, must be sent to the RNI office to complete the registration.
Step 4: Submission of Required Documents
Along with the first issue, you will need to submit:
-
Verified Title Letter issued by RNI
-
Copy of the first published issue
-
Authenticated Form I
-
Printer’s agreement (if printing is outsourced)
-
Declaration of ownership (in case of proprietorship or company)
-
Affidavit confirming non-publication of any other newspaper under the same title
-
Identity and address proof of publisher and printer
Language-specific requirements may include translation of certain affidavits or declarations into the regional language and use of vernacular scripts where applicable.
Step 5: Final RNI Registration Certificate
Upon review and successful verification, the RNI will issue a Certificate of Registration. This legal document permits you to continue printing and circulating your newspaper officially.
Why It Matters
RNI registration lends credibility, legal recognition, and eligibility for government advertisements and postal concessions. It is an essential step for any regional newspaper seeking to build a loyal readership and operate professionally.
At Agile Regulatory, we specialize in assisting publishers with the online RNI registration process, including for regional language publications. Our team helps with documentation, title selection, declaration filing, and coordination with authorities to ensure a smooth, timely registration experience.
Comments
0 comment