The Government of Karnataka on April 09, 2026, issued the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Act, 2026 to provide for the survey, documentation, conservation, digitisation, research, publication and public access of manuscripts in the State of Karnataka, to establish the Karnataka Manuscripts Authority.
The key provisions are as stated:
• The State Government shall, by notification, establish a body to be called the Karnataka Manuscripts Authority.
• The Authority shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal.
• The Authority shall maintain a digital and physical State Register containing details of location, ownership, physical condition, script, language, subject and access conditions of every manuscript.
• Every person or institution possessing manuscripts shall, within one year from the date of commencement of this Act, furnish particulars to the Authority in such form as may be prescribed.
• The Authority or any officer authorised by it may, with due notice and during reasonable hours, enter any premises to survey, photograph or digitise manuscripts, subject to reasonable conditions imposed by the owner for security and privacy.
• The Authority shall launch a time-bound Mission for conservation and high-resolution digitisation, of at least 5 lakh folios every year.
• Digitised manuscripts in public domain shall be uploaded on a dedicated portal Karnataka Jnana Bhandara with free public access, except where the owner has imposed justified restrictions for religious or privacy reasons.
• A non-lapsable Fund shall be created with grants from the State Government, Central Government schemes, CSR contributions, and donations.
• No person shall wilfully damage, destroy or export any manuscript declared as Karnataka Heritage Manuscript without prior written permission of the Authority.
• Contravention of sections 7 and 12 shall be punishable with imprisonment up to three years or fine up to 5 lakh or both.
It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification, appoint
[ACT NO. 25 OF 2026]
