National Archives Digitises 15 Crore Pages to Strengthen Transparency and Governance
SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions | SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities
Institutions: Ministry of Culture | National Archives of India (NAI)
The National Archives of India (NAI), under the Ministry of Culture, has digitised over 15 crore pages of public records, marking one of the world’s largest archival digitisation drives. The milestone was showcased at the exhibition ‘Sushasan aur Abhilekh 2025’, inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during Good Governance Month at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The initiative underscores how digitisation underpins transparency, accountability, and historical continuity in governance.
Between 2021 and 2025, 75,500 historically significant documents were transferred for permanent preservation, while key exhibits highlighted India’s administrative evolution—from the introduction of EVMs and elevating Field Marshal Manekshaw, to milestones in Panchayati Raj and national commemorations. The exhibition also honoured Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam for their contributions to governance and technology.
The ongoing digitisation drive represents a critical step in modernising India’s information infrastructure. By converting fragile paper records into accessible digital repositories, the NAI is bridging heritage preservation with real-time transparency. This strengthens the Right to Information, enhances inter-ministerial data sharing, and supports evidence-based administration—linking cultural stewardship with governance reform.
What is the National Archives of India? → The National Archives of India (NAI), established in 1891, is the official custodian of the nation’s documentary heritage. It preserves over 34 crore pages of records, including treaties, legislative documents, and administrative reports, providing essential institutional memory for India’s governance and policy development.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India accelerate secure, interoperable digital archiving across ministries to ensure that governance records remain both publicly accessible and permanently preserved?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2177418 | https://nationalarchives.nic.in/sausaasana-aura-abhailaekha-2025