The number of Urdu newspapers and periodicals registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India is 2,767 as on March 31s1, 1999, constituting 6.24% of the total registered newspapers.

Government Advertisements

Out of the above, 555 newspapers/periodicals were eligible (and were) released government advertisements in 1998-99.

Year                            Amount (Rs. in lakhs)                      % Share

1996-97                                   16.46                                       4.21

1997-98                                   23.11                                       4.54

1998-99                                   23.79                                       3.66

Steps Taken to Develop Urdu Newspapers

v  In the last 11 months, the PIB has issued 205 features and 3,658 Urdu releases. It also prepares graphics in Urdu.

v United News of India (UNI) ... special Urdu News Service continues ...

v Representatives of Urdu newspapers have been included in Press parties conducted by the PIB, both within the country and abroad.

v The PIB organised three software computer training courses for Urdu journalists during 1997 and 1998.

v 4 Complete applications for registration, receiving during Oct-Nov., 1999, are pending

(Source: LSSQ No. 122 dated 7.12.1999 by G.M. Banatwala)