Gyan Bharatam Mission: Preserving India's Manuscript Heritage
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Culture has provided details about the Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM), announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, in a Lok Sabha reply. The mission aims to accelerate digitization and documentation of manuscripts across India, with over 1.19 crore manuscripts surveyed and 4.40 lakh available on the portal.
Background
The Gyan Bharatam Mission is a central government initiative under the Ministry of Culture to manage manuscript-related activities. It was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and is being implemented with a focus on leveraging technology for preservation and access.
Key facts
Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM) was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 and is implemented by the Ministry of Culture.
The mission aims to accelerate digitization and documentation of manuscripts using advanced technology.
A Standing Finance Committee (SFC) has approved Rs 491.66 crore for GBM for the period 2025-2031.
A National Manuscript Survey was launched in March 2026 across all states and UTs to identify and document manuscripts.
Over 1.19 crore manuscripts have been surveyed so far.
More than 8 lakh digital manuscripts are available across the country, with over 4.40 lakh accessible on the Gyan Bharatam portal.
The mission has established institutional mechanisms through cluster centers and independent centers involving universities, research institutes, libraries, archives, private custodians, religious institutions, and other stakeholders.
States and UTs are involved as nodal coordination authorities for implementation.
Access to digital copies is facilitated in accordance with the rights of custodians and rights holders; sensitive or restricted material may have access conditions.
In Bihar, institutions like Nav Nalanda Mahavihar, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, and Shri Bodh Gaya Monastery are associated with GBM.
Prelims pointers
- Gyan Bharatam Mission (GBM) - announced in Union Budget 2025-26
- Ministry of Culture - implementing ministry
- Standing Finance Committee (SFC) - approved Rs 491.66 crore for 2025-2031
- National Manuscript Survey - launched March 2026
- Over 1.19 crore manuscripts surveyed
- Over 4.40 lakh manuscripts on Gyan Bharatam portal
- National Digital Repository (NDR) - to be created
- Institutions in Bihar: Nav Nalanda Mahavihar, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Shri Bodh Gaya Monastery
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of manuscript preservation for India's cultural heritage and knowledge traditions.
- Critically examine the role of technology in digitization and preservation of manuscripts, and the challenges involved.
- Evaluate the institutional framework for implementing Gyan Bharatam Mission and its potential impact on research and education.