The Ministry of Culture established the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) in 2003 during the 10th Five Year Plan to document, conserve, and promote access to Indian manuscripts. The scheme was evaluated by a committee of experts, which recommended its continuation with broader reach and direct oversight by the Ministry. The National Mission for Manuscripts presently functions as a unit under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, for which funds are provided to the organization. The NMM uses technology with contributions from IGNCA for preservation and digitization of manuscripts. The digitized manuscripts are uploaded to their website.
In order to address challenges of deterioration of Manuscripts, NMM employs different methods of preservation such as lamination, restoration, and deacidification of manuscripts. Training is offered for various aspects of preventive conservation. Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) address regional and thematic collection and conservation gaps.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha.