Govt grants nod for ISO-standard archives facility

Panaji: Goa govt has granted in-principle approval for a new building for the directorate of archives at the site of the former IPHB building at Altinho, Panaji, aimed at strengthening the preservation of the state’s documentary heritage.

Additional director of archives Balaji Shenoy said the facility will be developed in accordance with internationally recognised ISO standards for archival repositories, including temperature-controlled storage systems and other conditions essential for preserving fragile records.

The proposed building will house dedicated repositories, conservation and restoration laboratories, and specialised preservation units for rare manuscripts, govt records and historical collections.

“It will incorporate the latest archival preservation technologies adopted by leading institutions worldwide,” Shenoy said.

The project will also include dedicated spaces for researchers and scholars, along with public consultation areas to facilitate easier access to archival material.

To improve accessibility, the department plans to introduce QR code-based digital retrieval systems, enabling users to access information on archival holdings and obtain documentation through simplified processes.

The directorate houses one of Asia’s oldest repositories of records, documenting the history of Portuguese rule in India and its political, cultural, economic and diplomatic relations across the region. Its collections include nearly 12,000 Portuguese-language manuscripts covering a wide range of subjects.

Shenoy said the new facility will help ensure the long-term preservation of Goa’s unique archival heritage, which reflects a blend of indigenous manuscript traditions and centuries of Portuguese documentation practices.