New Delhi, November 17, 2025

India observed National Press Day 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose, focusing on protecting media freedom while embracing digital reforms that aim to make journalism stronger, fairer, and more accessible. The government highlighted once again that a free, responsible, and ethical press is one of the most important foundations of a healthy democracy. This year’s message centered around trust, transparency, and the evolving role of media in a rapidly changing world.

National Press Day traces its origins back to 1966, when the Press Council of India (PCI) was formed under the Indian Press Council Act. Over the decades, the PCI has grown into an important watchdog for journalistic standards. It handles complaints related to attacks on journalists, violations of press freedom, and ethical concerns. It has also offered guidance for responsible reporting on sensitive issues like natural disasters and fairness in covering marginalized groups.

India’s media landscape has grown dramatically. From just over sixty thousand registered publications in 2004–05, the number has jumped to more than 1.5 lakh by 2024–25. This surge reflects the country’s cultural diversity and the rise of regional voices. Supporting this growth are major reforms, including the Press and Registration of Periodicals (PRP) Act, 2023. This new law replaced a colonial-era system and introduced a modern, digital process for registering publications. It also transformed the Registrar of Newspapers for India into the Press Registrar General of India (PRGI), creating a structure that better suits today’s media industry.

One of the most notable achievements under this reform is the Press Sewa Portal, which has turned the entire registration process digital. In just half a year, 40,000 publishers have signed up, 37,000 annual statements have been filed, and 3,000 printing presses registered. The portal offers e-signing, QR-coded certificates, digital payments, and chatbot assistance, making the process smooth, transparent, and far less time-consuming. These upgrades have reduced compliance burdens and made it easier for new media houses to enter the field.

The government has also focused on strengthening training and education for journalists. The Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), founded in 1965, has trained more than 15,000 professionals and now functions as a deemed university with multiple campuses. By offering courses in regional languages and even niche subjects like Sanskrit journalism, it is helping create a more inclusive media environment that represents India’s linguistic diversity.

Support for media workers remains a priority as well. The Journalist Welfare Scheme, updated in 2019, provides financial assistance to journalists and their families during crises. Combined with legal protections under the Working Journalists Act, 1955, and social security coverage such as EPF and ESI, these measures ensure better support for those who often work under pressure and risk to bring important stories to the public.

Together, these reforms show India’s effort to build a modern, transparent, and secure media ecosystem. With strong institutions like the PCI and PRGI, digital breakthroughs under the PRP Act, and expanding journalist welfare programs, National Press Day 2025 reflects a forward-looking vision. It serves as a reminder that a free and empowered press is essential for a vibrant democracy and for keeping citizens informed and engaged across the country.

 National Press Day 2025: India Welcomes a New Era of Media Freedom and Digital Growth

India steps into National Press Day 2025 with a renewed commitment to protecting media freedom and strengthening the digital backbone of journalism. This year highlights how essential a free and responsible press is for a strong democracy, and how important it is to support journalists as they adapt to new technologies and challenges.

From the Press Council of India’s long-standing role in safeguarding ethics to the recent digital reforms under the PRP Act and the Press Sewa Portal, the country is moving toward a more transparent and efficient media system. With thousands of publishers now registered online and easier processes for compliance, the industry is becoming more accessible than ever.

Journalist welfare, training programs, and inclusive media education continue to grow through institutions like IIMC, ensuring the next generation of reporters is skilled, informed, and ready to serve the public with integrity.

National Press Day 2025 is not just a celebration but a reminder of how vital a free press is for every citizen. As India strengthens its media institutions and expands digital opportunities, the future of journalism looks more open, secure, and people-centered.