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.
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.
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.
The PCI safeguards freedom of the press and monitors ethical standards. It is empowered to,
Recent efforts include,
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,
The Press Sewa Portal provides a paperless, integrated system for periodical registration. Within six months of its launch,
This portal marks a pivotal step towards ease of doing business for publishers and fosters transparency and accountability in media registration.
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.
Launched in 2001 and revised in 2019, this scheme offers,
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.
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.
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