The Government of Karnataka, on March 10, 2026, issued the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill, 2026.
The following has been stated: -
•The Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026, establishes the Karnataka Manuscripts Authority to survey, preserve, and digitise manuscripts related to Karnataka’s heritage.
•The Authority will maintain a State Register of Manuscripts, promote conservation, translation, research, and regulate access and use of manuscripts.
•A Karnataka Manuscript Conservation and Digitisation Mission will digitise at least 5 lakh folios annually and provide public access through the Karnataka Jnana Bhandara Portal.
•The Act also mandates reporting of manuscript holdings and imposes penalties for damage or illegal export of heritage manuscripts.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
[Notification No.: LA Bill No. 02 of 2026]
