The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has quietly brought about a tiny, but significant, change in the guidelines for publication of newspaper and periodicals. It will now allow appointment of foreigners and non-resident Indians without prior permission.

The same changes in the guidelines facilitating appointment of foreigners and NRIs in Indian publications registered under Section 4A of the Companies Act, will also be applicable for publications of facsimile editions of foreign newspapers.

The amendment in the basic conditions was brought about by the ministry to allow employment or engagement of any foreigner in an Indian publication either “as consultant or in any other capacity” provided an Indian entity or individual held at least 51 per cent stake in the publication.

Though prior permission of the Ministry would not be required, officials said “permission can be later withdrawn on security grounds”. The Ministry will be seeking security verification of foreign personnel employed in the Indian publication after the appointment, senior I&B Ministry officials said.

The print media has been waiting for a raise in the 26 per cent ceiling on foreign investment, including FDI, portfolio investment by recognised FIIs or by NRIs/PIOs to bring it on par with the broadcasting industry. But political-parliamentary nod has not been forthcoming.

However, the bar on employment of foreigners and NRIs in print media could be lifted through an amendment carried out internally by the ministry. Earlier, “prior clearance” of the I&B Ministry was needed for engaging or employing foreigners or NRIs in any Indian publication for more than 60 days in a year or as regular employees.

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