Delhi: The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, informed the Lok Sabha about the ongoing initiatives under the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM). Established in 2003 during the 10th Five Year Plan, the mission aims to document, conserve, and promote access to India’s vast manuscript heritage.
The scheme, assessed by a committee of experts, has been recommended for continuation with an expanded scope and direct oversight by the Ministry of Culture. The NMM currently operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), receiving funding for its activities. Leveraging technology, the mission focuses on preservation and digitization efforts to safeguard India’s manuscripts.
To combat the challenges of manuscript deterioration, the mission employs methods such as lamination, restoration, and deacidification. It also conducts training programs to enhance skills in preventive conservation. Additionally, Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) have been established to address regional and thematic gaps in collection and conservation.
This information was shared in a written reply by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during today’s Lok Sabha session.
