In a significant milestone for the Indian print media sector, the number of registered publications grew by 5.13% in the year ending March 31, 2016, reaching a total of 110,851 publications. This increase, which includes 5,423 new publications, was revealed in the latest report titled ‘Press in India 2015-16’ by the Registrar of Newspapers of India (RNI), and was presented by M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting. The report indicated that out of the total publications, 16,136 were newspapers and 94,715 were periodicals, showcasing a robust growth trajectory despite the challenges posed by digital media.

Naidu highlighted that the Indian print industry continues to thrive, noting that the growth rate of 5.13% follows a 5.8% increase the previous year. This upward trend is prompting the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to reassess its policies, particularly regarding the verification of circulation figures for newspapers and periodicals that exceed 45,000 copies per publishing day. The updated policies aim to enhance transparency and eliminate illegal publications that could disrupt law enforcement efforts. The RNI will maintain an updated list of legitimate publications to further streamline this process.

Hindi language publications dominate the print media landscape, boasting a daily circulation of 314.5 million copies, followed by English and Urdu publications. Notably, Anandabazar Patrika, published by ABP Pvt. Ltd., emerged as the largest circulated daily in Kolkata, with 1.15 million copies per day, while Hindustan Times led in Delhi with 992,239 copies. The focus moving forward will shift towards increasing the circulation of regional newspapers, as Naidu emphasized their accessibility and potential for wider reach among readers. This growth in print media underscores the resilience of traditional formats in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.