Photographs, litho-prints declared rare manuscripts

New Delhi: The National Archives of India has revamped two assistance schemes to include digitisation of archival photographs and prints like oleographs and lithographs in the rare manuscripts category for better preservation of old documents. The maximum limit of financial assistance under this scheme has been enhanced from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.10 lakh per project annually. The "Scheme for Financial Assistance for Preservation of Manuscripts and Rare Books" and "Financial Assistance to State/Union Territory Archival Repositories, Government Libraries and Museums", will provide funds to digitise archival photographs and prints, a culture ministry statement said Wednesday. It would also support purchase of digitisation equipment. The eligible beneficiaries would now be able to avail of the assistance by applying in the prescribed format. The applications are required to be forwarded by the state-level screening committees constituted for the purpose. The schemes are open to both non-profit organisations, individuals, universities and art and cultural institutions. The National Archives of India and the culture ministry have been operating the two schemes since 1986. Both the schemes were last modified in 1998. However, in order to keep pace with the changing environment and the need-based demand for preservation of heritage, further modifications have been made to widen the scope of the schemes as well as enhance the financial assistance. IANS