Jammu, Jan 25: The government has initiated effective steps for preservation of historical documents and records of three Archive Repositories of Srinagar, Jammu and Ladakh,  said the tourism and culture minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora.
 “Government has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for digitization of all historical records lying in these Repositories of the State,” he said during his visit to State Archive Repository, Mubarak Mandi here today.
 He said reputed national level organizations would be involved in this work, adding that national level tenders have been floated for   engagement of suitable and competent firms for assigning the job.
 He said the officers and officials of the Archives Department would also be acquainted through proper training with the modern techniques for preservation of old files, documents and books. He said Archives was the life line of our past, present and future, that needs to be preserved at all costs.
 He inspected various sections of the Repository where 6 lakh files dating back 1724 AD of administrative and historical importance, including  records in Persian, administrative reports, counsel proceedings, counsel orders, various commission reports, gazetteers, government gazettes, army and revenue records were being maintained and preserved as a  the part of rich cultural heritage of the State.
 He instructed the concerned authorities to ensure early digitization of each rare document so that this may be preserved once for all.
 Director Archives S K A Qadri said state Archives Repository, Jammu was established in 1928 AD and it had the distinction of being one of the oldest Archives Repositories in the sub-continent with its record holdings dating back to Mughal period.
 He said the records were classified into Persian, English, Vernacular, His Highness and Secretariat records.
 He said that besides, periodical checking, due care was being  taken for preservation of the records by way of fumigation process, use of insect repellents, ante termite and worn treatment, besides replacement of old damaged wrappings  .
 During the past two years 4.50 lakh files have been treated and 20,000 Bastas checked and replaced by fresh cotton cloth of required colours, he informed.

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