Government should allocate a higher budget for library modernization and to resume funding from the Raja Rammohan Roy Foundation for the procurement of valuable books Buchaiah Chowdary Rajahmundry MLA 

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Efforts are underway to recover and digitize historical manuscripts and government records related to Andhra Pradesh, stated Minister Nara Lokesh in the Legislative Assembly. Since the bifurcation of the state, 50% of ancient documents were transferred to Andhra Pradesh, while discussions with the Telangana government continue to bring back the remaining records.

During the session, Avanigadda MLA Mandali Buddha Prasad raised concerns about preserving Telugu heritage. He highlighted the significance of institutions like the State Archives, Oriental Manuscript Library, and District Gazettes, which hold invaluable letters and records of historical figures such as Alluri Sitarama Raju and Gurajada Apparao. He stressed the need for urgent measures to protect these documents.

Minister Lokesh acknowledged that progress on archive preservation had been slow but assured that the issue was being taken seriously. The state government has received seven out of fifteen categories of historical records, with further discussions required for those with single copies. Digitization of these records will be a priority, and budget allocations have been requested for preservation efforts.

Currently, the state archives function out of a 24,347-square-foot rented facility, where all historical documents are maintained. Minister Lokesh also revealed plans to allocate land in Amaravati for a Central Library, ensuring a dedicated space for archive preservation. A legislative committee will be formed to oversee the integration of modern technology into archival preservation and to secure central government funding for the initiative.

He also assured that the digitization of Oriental Manuscript Library records would be completed within the year, while pending district gazettes would be relocated to Mangalagiri. The government will work on modernizing libraries across the state, emphasizing their role as centers for knowledge-sharing and cultural preservation.