National Press Day 2025: Empowering Voices, Strengthening Democracy

National Press Day, observed every year on 16 November, celebrates the foundational role of the press as the fourth pillar of democracy. It highlights the enduring values of freedom of expression, ethical journalism, and public accountability. In 2025, the day resonates more than ever, as India continues to modernise its media ecosystem with digital tools and new legislation aimed at safeguarding journalistic independence and efficiency.

Historical Significance of National Press Day

National Press Day commemorates the establishment of the Press Council of India (PCI) on 16 November 1966. Originally formed under the Indian Press Council Act, 1965, and reconstituted in 1979 under the current Press Council Act, PCI serves as an autonomous statutory body to protect press freedom and uphold journalistic standards.

The foundation for this was laid by the First Press Commission (1956), which emphasised the need for an institutional mechanism to promote ethical journalism and protect the press from political or economic interference.

Expanding Media Landscape: A Growing Voice

India’s media landscape continues to flourish. The number of registered publications has increased from 60,143 in 2004–05 to over 1.54 lakh in 2024–25, reflecting the expanding reach of journalism in multiple languages and regions.

Key Institutions and Initiatives Supporting Press Freedom

Press Council of India (PCI)

The PCI safeguards freedom of the press and monitors ethical standards. It is empowered to,

• Act on complaints of media malpractice
• Take suo-motu cognizance of threats to press freedom
• Enforce the Norms of Journalistic Conduct, which discourage fake, defamatory or misleading content

Recent efforts include,

• Guidelines for reporting natural disasters
• Promotion of inclusive representation in media, including coverage of the LGBTQ+ community
• Educational outreach via summer and winter internships for journalism students

Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 (PRP Act)

Replacing the colonial PRB Act of 1867, the PRP Act 2023 was notified in December 2023 and came into force in March 2024. It aims to,

• Digitise the periodical registration process
• Reduce compliance burdens
• Rename RNI as the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI)
• Decriminalise procedural lapses

Press Sewa Portal: A Digital Leap

The Press Sewa Portal provides a paperless, integrated system for periodical registration. Within six months of its launch,

• Over 40,000 publishers have been onboarded
• Around 3,000 printing presses have been registered
• QR-enabled digital certificates and e-signatures enhance transparency
• A chatbot-based grievance system aids quick resolution

This portal marks a pivotal step towards ease of doing business for publishers and fosters transparency and accountability in media registration.

Media Education & Welfare

Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)

Established in 1965, IIMC has trained over 15,000 professionals and now holds Deemed to be University status. It offers PG diplomas in multiple regional languages and specialised courses like Sanskrit journalism, fostering linguistic diversity in Indian media.

Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS)

Launched in 2001 and revised in 2019, this scheme offers,

• Up to ₹5 lakh for family in case of death due to hardship
• Up to ₹3 lakh for major illness treatment
• Disability and accident-related assistance, based on work experience

Legal Protections

The Working Journalists Act, 1955 ensures fair wages, job security, and working conditions.

The EPF and ESI Acts offer social security benefits to media workers earning up to ₹21,000/month.

Celebrating Journalism Excellence

Every year, the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award and National Awards for Excellence in Journalism are presented on this day to honour exemplary contributions in print and digital media.

Additionally, a Souvenir is released featuring thought pieces by leading journalists and public figures, showcasing India’s vibrant and evolving media ecosystem.

Key Static Facts

• Date Observed: 16 November
• Established Body: Press Council of India (1966)
• Registered Publications: Grew from 60,143 (2004–05) to 1.54 lakh (2024–25)
• Key Act: Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023
• Online Portal: Press Sewa Portal
• Award of Honour: Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award
• Institute: Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), now a Deemed University
• Welfare Scheme: Journalist Welfare Scheme (since 2001)