Daily Current Affairs : 14-August-2023

The preservation and documentation of cultural heritage are crucial for any society. In this context, the Indian government is taking a significant step by introducing the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023. This bill aims to protect and promote the invaluable manuscripts that hold scientific, historical, and aesthetic value. With the advent of digitization and globalization, the need to safeguard these precious texts has become more important than ever before.

Understanding Manuscripts

A manuscript is a handwritten composition on various materials such as paper, bark, cloth, metal, and palm leaves. To be considered a manuscript under this bill, the document must date back at least seventy-five years and possess substantial knowledge content. Notably, manuscripts do not include printed volumes or lithographs. They differ from historical records that provide direct information about past events. Approximately 75% of existing Indian manuscripts are in Sanskrit, while the remaining 25% are in regional languages.

The Significance of the Law

The significance of this law becomes evident when considering remarkable examples like the Bakhshali manuscript, an ancient Indian mathematical text. It is recognized as the earliest recorded use of zero and dates back to the third or fourth century AD. Situated at the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford, it showcases India’s contribution to mathematical thought. Many other such manuscripts are scattered in libraries worldwide or are held by private collectors, both domestically and internationally.

Objectives of the Bill

The primary objectives of the National Manuscripts Bill are threefold:

  1. Documentation and Cataloguing: The bill seeks to document and catalog heritage texts, whether they reside in India or abroad, ensuring that accurate and up-to-date information about them is maintained.
  2. Access Conditions: The bill outlines the conditions under which these manuscripts can be consulted, promoting responsible access while safeguarding their integrity.
  3. Creation of the National Manuscripts Authority: A pivotal aspect of the bill is the establishment of the National Manuscripts Authority (NMA), a 10-member body responsible for overseeing digitization, conservation, preservation, editing, and publication work related to manuscripts.
The Role of National Manuscripts Authority

The NMA is set to play a crucial role in the effective implementation of the National Manuscripts Bill:

  1. Composition: The authority will consist of key stakeholders, including the Culture Minister (as Chairperson), Secretaries of Culture, Finance, and Education, the Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, special representatives from States, and private agencies.
  2. Policy Making and Regulation: The NMA will serve as the apex policy-making body concerning manuscripts’ digitization, conservation, preservation, editing, and publication. It will also possess civil court powers to allocate access to manuscripts and investigate thefts and desecration of texts.
  3. Safeguarding Manuscripts: The NMA will ensure that manuscripts are protected from loss due to damage or theft. Collaboration with educational institutions will facilitate fellowships and scholarships for manuscript study.
  4. Digital Portal: The NMA will establish a dedicated digital portal for indexing, cataloging, uploading, and downloading copies of manuscripts, promoting widespread access.
  5. Right of Acquisition: The authority will possess the right to take over a manuscript from a private owner based on its uniqueness and importance, ensuring that these treasures remain accessible to all.

Important Points:

Understanding Manuscripts

  • Manuscripts: Handwritten compositions on various materials.
  • Criteria: At least 75 years old, possessing scientific, historical, or aesthetic value.
  • Exclusions: Printed volumes, lithographs, historical records.
  • Language Distribution: 75% Sanskrit, 25% regional languages.

Significance of the Law

  • Example: Bakhshali manuscript, ancient mathematical text with earliest use of zero.
  • The bill aims to preserve invaluable manuscripts worldwide.
  • Many manuscripts in libraries globally and with private collectors.

Objectives of the Bill

  1. Documentation and Cataloguing:
    • Documenting and cataloging heritage texts in India and abroad.
    • Maintaining accurate and up-to-date information about manuscripts.
  2. Access Conditions:
    • Outlining responsible access conditions while ensuring integrity.
  3. National Manuscripts Authority (NMA):
    • Key body for implementing the bill’s objectives.

Role of National Manuscripts Authority

  1. Composition:
    • 10-member NMA including Culture Minister (Chairperson), Secretaries of Culture, Finance, Education, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, state representatives, and private agencies.
  2. Policy Making and Regulation:
    • Apex policy-making body for digitization, conservation, preservation, editing, and publication.
    • Possesses civil court powers for allocating manuscript access and investigating thefts.
  3. Safeguarding Manuscripts:
    • Ensuring protection against damage or theft.
    • Collaborating with educational institutions for fellowships and scholarships.
  4. Digital Portal:
    • Dedicated portal for indexing, cataloging, uploading, and downloading manuscript copies.
  5. Right of Acquisition:
    • NMA can take over manuscripts from private owners based on uniqueness and importance.
Why In News

In a significant legislative move, the government is gearing up to introduce the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023, aiming to preserve and protect the invaluable cultural and historical heritage encapsulated within the nation’s diverse collection of manuscripts. This anticipated bill is expected to provide a comprehensive framework for cataloging, digitizing, and promoting accessibility to these manuscripts, fostering a deeper understanding of our rich past while ensuring their conservation for future generations.

MCQs about The National Manuscripts Bill, 2023

  1. What is the primary aim of the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023?
    A. To establish a National Manuscripts Authority
    B. To digitize all historical records
    C. To promote lithographs and printed volumes
    D. To protect and promote culturally significant manuscripts
    Correct Answer: D. To protect and promote culturally significant manuscripts
    Explanation: The primary aim of the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023, is to protect and promote culturally significant manuscripts.
  2. Which of the following materials is NOT considered a manuscript under the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023?
    A. Paper
    B. Birch bark
    C. Lithograph
    D. Metal
    Correct Answer: C. Lithograph
    Explanation: Manuscripts exclude lithographs and printed volumes. The bill focuses on handwritten compositions on materials like paper, birch bark, and metal.
  3. What is the role of the National Manuscripts Authority (NMA)?
    A. Promotion of private collectors’ manuscripts
    B. Allocation of access to manuscripts for universities
    C. Publication of printed volumes
    D. Setting up libraries across the globe
    Correct Answer: B. Allocation of access to manuscripts for universities
    Explanation: The NMA’s role includes regulating access to manuscripts, investigating thefts, collaborating with educational institutions, and establishing a digital portal for indexing and cataloging.

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