Gulzarbagh press archives set to be digitised, says chief secretary

Patna: Rare and historically significant documents and archives preserved at the Gulzarbagh Printing Press will be digitised under the Govt of India’s “Gyan Bharatam” initiative. Instruction in this regard was issued following a joint inspection by chief secretary (CS) Pratyaya Amrit and Bihar Museum director general Anjani Kumar Singh on Wednesday.

During the visit, the CS reviewed old administrative files, rare manuscripts and British-era records stored in the archive sections of the Gulzarbagh Printing Press complex. Officials said the inspection focused on assessing the condition of ageing paper records and identifying immediate measures needed to prevent further deterioration caused by time, handling and storage conditions.


The CS instructed the departments concerned to begin digitisation using modern technology so that fragile documents can be preserved in digital form while reducing physical handling of originals. He also directed that preservation work should follow scientific methods, including improved storage practices, controlled handling protocols and conservation measures aimed at protecting paper quality and ink longevity.

Officials accompanying the inspection were asked to prepare an action plan for cataloguing and prioritising materials for scanning, with emphasis on documents of high historical and administrative values. The digitisation drive is expected to create a searchable repository that can support research and improve public access, while ensuring that original records remain protected.

The inspection also covered the printing press premises and existing arrangements for record-keeping. The CS underlined the need for systematic maintenance of the facility and better archival management to prevent loss of heritage material.

Bihar Museum director general said the museum would support the effort with technical expertise and professional guidance. “Bihar Museum will provide technical and expert assistance in the preservation work so that documents can be preserved according to international standards,” Singh said.

The initiative is being positioned as a key step in safeguarding Bihar’s documentary heritage, with officials describing the Gulzarbagh collection as a vital record of the state’s administrative evolution and cultural history. The digitisation and conservation measures are intended to ensure long-term preservation while enabling wider use of the material for academic and public purposes.

Secretary (expenditure), finance department, Rachana Patil, was also present during the inspection.