Question : Print Media

(a) whether the Government maintains various data with regard to publication of newspapers in different States like their circulation rate and the amount paid by the Government agencies for publication of advertisements, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Indian print media including regional newspapers have recorded negative growth in recent years;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard;

(d) whether cases of alleged malpractices by certain regional papers have been reported, if so, the details thereof indicating number of such cases reported and the action taken thereon during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(e) whether the Government is also implementing various welfare schemes for the benefit of workers including such editors employed in small newspapers and other media personnel in the country;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) if not, the reasons therefor along with the other measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for the welfare of such media personnel?

MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
{SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR}


(a) The Government maintains data of newspapers and periodicals registered with Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), the details of which are published in the annual report titled “Press in India” brought out by RNI and is available on its website www.rni.nic.in.

(b) to (c) As per the register of publications maintained by RNI, the total number of registered publications has consistently increased over the years.

(d) Complaints regarding violation of the provisions of the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, as and when noticed, are handled as per provisions of the Act.




(e) to (g) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting implements a ‘Journalist Welfare Scheme’ to provide one time ex-gratia relief on urgent basis to journalists/Media Personnel and their families under extreme hardship on account of death, permanent disability, major ailments and accidents causing serious injuries necessitating hospitalization.
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