This guide walks you through the process of renewing your journalist’s Press Accreditation Card for the year 2020, as outlined in the official renewal form. The process involves completing a two-part application and submitting specific documents depending on your type of media work.
**⚠️ Important Note: This is an instructional guide based on the official form for the 2020 renewal cycle. The deadlines and specific requirements for the current year will be different. Always verify the latest forms and deadlines from the **Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal, before applying.
📝 Step 1: Complete the Main Renewal Form
Download the official “Renewal Form for Press Accreditation Card” for the applicable year. Fill in every section clearly in BLOCK LETTERS.
- Section 1-5 (Personal & Professional Details):
- Provide your full name, current address, and contact information (phone, email).
- Attach proof of address (like a utility bill or Aadhaar card) if your address has changed since your last application.
- Clearly state your current Press Card Number and attach a self-attested photocopy of the card.
- Fill in the complete details of your Media House, including the Head’s name and official office contact information.
- Section for Specimen Signature and Photograph:
- Affix one recent passport-sized photograph in the designated box.
- Put your full signature with the date in the box provided. This will serve as your specimen signature.
- Submission Details:
- Prepare the main form in DUPLICATE (two identical copies).
- The form lists a specific submission deadline and location (e.g., November 22, 2019, for 2020 renewal). For current renewals, you must submit by the new deadline at the correct office:
- For Kolkata: News Bureau, Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Nabanna, Howrah.
- For Districts: The office of your concerned District Information & Cultural Affairs Officer (DICO).
- For Siliguri: The office of the Sub-Divisional Information & Cultural Affairs Officer (SDICO).
🏢 Step 2: Obtain and Complete Annexure-I
This is a crucial certification from your employer or, for freelancers, a record of your published work.
- For Journalists with a Media House/News Agency:
- Annexure-I must be printed on the official letterhead of your Media House/News Agency and prepared in DUPLICATE.
- The authorized signatory (see table below) must fill in your details, certify your continued employment, and request the renewal of your card.
- The form must bear the official office seal and the designated signatory’s signature with their printed designation.
- For Freelance Journalists (Applicable for Kolkata only, not districts):
- Freelancers do not submit Annexure-I. Instead, you must provide proof of consistent journalistic work as specified in the main form’s Section D.
| Your Media Type | Authorized Signatory for Annexure-I |
|---|---|
| Print Media (Newspaper, Magazine) | Editor or Executive Editor |
| Electronic Media (TV Channel) | Channel Head or CEO |
| AIR & Doordarshan | Director (News) |
| News Agency | Regional Manager or Manager |
📎 Step 3: Gather Required Supporting Documents
The documents you need to attach depend entirely on your category of journalism. Use this table as a checklist for the 2020 renewal requirements.
| Category | Mandatory Documents to Attach |
|---|---|
| 📰 Print Media | 1. Latest circulation certificate from ABC/CA. 2. Physical copies: Last 1 month’s issues (dailies) or last 6 months’ issues (periodicals). 3. Annexure-I on company letterhead (in duplicate). 4. Photocopy of your current Press Card. |
| 📺 Electronic Media | 1. Details of daily news/current affairs telecast schedule for at least one week. 2. Annexure-I on company letterhead (in duplicate). 3. Photocopy of your current Press Card. |
| 📡 News Agency | 1. A separate list of your subscribers. 2. Clippings of published news/photos from the last one year. 3. Annexure-I on company letterhead (in duplicate). 4. Photocopy of your current Press Card. |
| ✍️ Freelancer (Kolkata only) | 1. 24 self-attested, by-line articles (for reporters) OR 24 self-attested, by-line photographs (for photographers) published in various dailies/journals in the last year. 2. Photocopy of your current Press Card. |
✅ Final Step: Compile and Submit Your Application
- Create two identical application packets. Each packet must contain:
- One completed Main Renewal Form.
- One completed Annexure-I (if applicable).
- One full set of all the required supporting documents for your category.
- Submit in person or by a reliable method to the correct office address (Kolkata, District DICO, or Siliguri SDICO) well before the deadline.
- Get an Acknowledgement: Upon submission, the receiving office should fill out and stamp the “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT” section at the bottom of Annexure-I. Ensure you keep one copy of this acknowledged form as your receipt.
Key Reminders for a Smooth Process
- Start Early: Gather documents, especially Annexure-I from your organization, well in advance of the deadline.
- Double-Check: Ensure all copies are self-attested where required, forms are signed, and the media house seal is affixed to Annexure-I.
- Verify Current Info: For renewals in 2026 and beyond, the deadline, fee (if any), and document requirements may have changed. Always refer to the latest notification from the West Bengal Information & Cultural Affairs Department.
I hope this step-by-step guide helps you successfully renew your accreditation. Would you like me to help you look for the contact details of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department for the latest updates?
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