Government Introduces Major Changes to Local Cable Operator Registration Process
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Synopsis
On January 17, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced amendments to the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, streamlining the local cable operator registration process. The changes aim to facilitate a more efficient and user-friendly registration system.
Key Takeaways
- Online Registration: LCO registrations will be fully digital.
- Real-Time Issuance: Registration certificates issued immediately after verification.
- Five-Year Validity: Registrations valid for five years.
- Appeal Process: New provision for appealing denied registrations.
- Processing Fee: Registration or renewal fee set at Rs 5,000.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced significant amendments to the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, aimed at simplifying the local cable operator (LCO) registration process and enhancing the overall ease of doing business.
The registration of LCOs will now be entirely online, with the ministry acting as the registering authority, as stated in an official release.
Upon successful verification of applicants' information – including Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, DIN, etc. – certificates for LCO registration will be issued in real-time.
Registrations will be valid for a duration of five years.
Additionally, the new guidelines include a provision for appealing against any refusal of registration or renewal.
Previously, the LCO registration process was conducted offline at the local head post office, with the Head Postmaster serving as the registering authority.
This manual process was often cumbersome and time-consuming, with the registered area limited to specific locations.
Now, LCOs can apply for new registrations or renewals via the Broadcast Seva Portal, and the registration certificate will be issued online.
The processing fee for registration or renewal is set at Rs 5,000, and applications for renewal must be submitted at least 90 days before the registration expiration, as per the ministry's announcement.
Current LCO registrations will continue to be valid for the duration specified in the registration certificate. If an existing registration is valid for less than 90 days, renewal applications should be made immediately on the portal, according to the new rules.
The government asserts that the revised registration and renewal procedures align with its commitment to enhance the ease of doing business.
