SRINAGAR: In a significant move to streamline the registration process, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has amended the Cable Television Network Rules, in 1994. Effective immediately, the Local Cable Operator (LCO) registration will now be conducted entirely online through the Ministry’s Broadcast Seva Portal (www.new.broadcastseva.gov.in), replacing the previous offline system.
Under the new process, LCOs will be able to apply for new registrations or renewals directly on the portal, with the Ministry itself acting as the registering authority. The new system promises to reduce delays and complexity, with registration certificates issued in real-time following successful verification of applicant details, including Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, and DIN.
The amended rules introduce several updates to the process. LCO registrations will now be granted or renewed for a period of five years, and the processing fee has been fixed at Rs 5,000. The new registration will be valid for operations across India, removing previous geographic limitations. Additionally, LCOs must now submit their registration renewal applications at least 90 days before the expiration of the current certificate. In the event of registration or renewal denial, LCOs now have the right to appeal to the Appellate Authority, the Under Secretary (DAS), within 30 days.
Existing LCO registrations will remain valid until the expiry of their respective certificates. However, LCOs with registrations due to expire in less than 90 days are encouraged to apply for renewal immediately through the new online system.
This transition to an online process is part of the government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business, ensuring a more efficient and transparent system for LCOs across India
