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National Press Day 2025: India’s Free Press in the Digital Era
Summary: National Press Day 2025 celebrates India’s fearless press, digital reforms like the PRP Act 2023, and the Press Sewa Portal - strengthening democracy in the age of technology.
Why National Press Day Matters
Every year on November 16, India honours the press as the fourth pillar of democracy. National Press Day is not just a commemoration - it’s a reminder that journalism must remain free, fair, and fearless, holding power accountable and amplifying the voice of citizens.
A Legacy of Freedom
- The Press Council of India (PCI) was established in 1966 to safeguard press freedom.
- Rooted in recommendations of the First Press Commission (1956), PCI ensures ethical reporting and shields journalists from external pressures.
- Over the decades, PCI has evolved - from addressing attacks on journalists to issuing guidelines for sensitive reporting during disasters and promoting inclusivity in media coverage.
Media Growth & Digital Transformation
India’s media has seen explosive growth:
- 60,143 publications in 2004–05 → 1.54 lakh in 2024–25.
- The Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act) replaced colonial laws, introducing a paperless, online system.
- The Press Sewa Portal has already onboarded 40,000 publishers and registered 3,000 presses in just six months.
This digital shift ensures transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business for publishers.
Celebrating Excellence
National Press Day also honours journalists through the National Awards for Excellence in Journalism. The prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award remains the highest recognition, celebrating courage, integrity, and impact in reporting.
Global & Educational Engagement
- PCI has signed MoUs with press councils in Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, strengthening international cooperation.
- The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), now a Deemed University, continues to train thousands of journalists, offering specialised courses in multiple Indian languages.
Supporting Journalists
The Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS) provides financial assistance for families in hardship, medical emergencies, and accident‑related injuries - ensuring that those who safeguard democracy are themselves protected.
The Bigger Picture
National Press Day 2025 is more than a celebration. It’s a call to action: to protect press freedom, embrace digital reforms, and empower journalists to remain fearless in the face of challenges. In an era of misinformation, India’s press stands as a beacon of truth, transparency, and democracy.
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Keywords: National Press Day 2025, India Press Freedom, Digital Media Reforms,Press Sewa Portal, PRP Act 2023, Journalism Awards,Press Council of India, Ethical Journalism, IIMC Deemed University
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