The Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026
The Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026
The Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026, establishes a legal framework to identify, preserve, and digitise historical manuscripts across the state. It creates the Karnataka Manuscripts Authority, which is tasked with conducting a comprehensive survey of manuscripts held in both public and private custody. The Act mandates that all manuscript owners must report their holdings to the Authority within one year. It also prohibits the unauthorized damage or export of heritage manuscripts. For citizens, this law ensures that ancient knowledge is protected and made accessible through a public digital portal, while balancing the privacy and religious rights of private owners.
- 1. Short title, and commencement
- 2. Definitions
- 3. Establishment of the Authority
- 4. Composition of the Authority
- 5. Functions and powers of the Authority
- 6. State Register of Manuscripts
- 7. Mandatory reporting by owner or possessor
- 8. Access for survey and digitisation
- 9. Karnataka Manuscript Conservation and Digitisation Mission
- 10. Public domain and restricted access
- 11. Karnataka Manuscripts Fund
- 12. Prohibition on damage or export without permission
- 13. Penalties
- 14. Power to make rules
- 15. Overriding effect
- 16. Removal of difficulties
PDF: pending for this language.