Context: The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts.

• The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was launched in 2003 to document, conserve, and digitize India’s manuscript heritage.

• It operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, ensuring preservation through advanced technology and regional initiatives.

About New National Manuscripts Mission

• The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in 2003 by the Ministry of Culture during the 10th Five Year Plan.

• Its primary goals include documenting, conserving, and promoting access to India’s vast manuscript heritage.

• The mission functions under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, with funding provided to the organization.

• NMM leverages technology, supported by IGNCA, for the preservation and digitization of manuscripts.

• Preservation methods such as lamination, restoration, and deacidification are employed to address manuscript deterioration.

• Training programs are offered to enhance skills in preventive conservation techniques.

• Manuscript Resource Centres and Manuscript Conservation Centres are established to address regional and thematic gaps in collection and conservation efforts.

Features and Programs under the Mission

• Documented metadata for 5.2 million manuscripts and digitized 300,000 titles, though only a third of them have been uploaded.

• Only 70,000 of the 130,000 manuscripts uploaded are accessible for viewing due to the absence of an access policy.

• Preventive and curative conservation of 9 crore folios has been conducted over 21 years.