Notification for Nomination as members of the Archival Advisory Board of National Archives of India

## Report on Amendment to Archival Advisory Board Membership **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, dated April 8, 2022, which amends a previous notification (S.O. 3862E, dated December 11, 2017) regarding the composition of the Archival Advisory Board. The core purpose of this amendment is to nominate new members to the Archival Advisory Board, filling various positions as defined by the Public Records Act, 1993. The key finding is the establishment of a new Archival Advisory Board through nominations from various governmental departments and academic institutions. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of the Ministry of Culture's notification, published on April 8, 2022, pertaining to the Archival Advisory Board. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. The purpose of this report is to inform relevant stakeholders about the changes in the Archival Advisory Board's membership. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Amended:** Government of India, Ministry of Culture notification No. S.O. 3862E, dated the 11th December, 2017. * **Core Objective(s):** To nominate members to the Archival Advisory Board as per Section 13 of the Public Records Act, 1993. The text indicates this is for the purpose of advising on matters related to public records. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification amends a previous one, suggesting that the terms of the previously appointed members have expired or there was a need for a revised board composition. The amendment specifically addresses the need to update the membership of the Archival Advisory Board, ensuring continued operation and adherence to the Public Records Act, 1993. The most likely reason for the amendment is either the regular appointment of board members or perhaps a re-evaluation of necessary expertise that needs to be represented on the board. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification introduces specific changes to the composition of the Archival Advisory Board: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The amendment changes the *membership list* of the Archival Advisory Board. * **New Rule/Provision:** The notification *nominates* new individuals to fill various roles within the Archival Advisory Board as outlined in Section 13 of the Public Records Act, 1993. These roles include: * Ex-officio Chairman: Secretary, Ministry of Culture. * Ex-officio Members: Joint Secretaries from Cabinet Secretariat, Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Finance, and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Secretaries from the Governments of Puducherry and UT of Chandigarh. * Professors, Historians, and Archivists: Prof. Heeraman Tiwari, Prof. Sugam Anand, and Prof. V. Kishan Rao. * Ex-officio Member Secretary: Director General of Archives. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The amendment effectively replaces the previous members (or fills vacant positions) on the Archival Advisory Board with the newly nominated individuals. This ensures that the board has the necessary expertise and representation to fulfill its advisory role as mandated by the Public Records Act, 1993. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * The newly appointed members of the Archival Advisory Board. * The Ministry of Culture. * The Director General of Archives. * Government agencies and departments whose records are subject to the Public Records Act. * Researchers and the public interested in accessing public records. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned?** The Ministry of Culture is responsible for issuing the notification and overseeing the board. The Director General of Archives serves as the Member Secretary. * **Any timelines or procedures specified in the text?** The new members are appointed for a period of three years from the date of the notification (April 8, 2022). * The members are entitled to travelling and daily allowances as admissible to Group A Officers of the Central Government, suggesting a structure for managing board meetings and related expenses. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these changes is to ensure the Archival Advisory Board is properly constituted with relevant expertise to advise the government on matters related to the management, preservation, and accessibility of public records. The appointment of new members should facilitate the continued efficient and effective operation of the board. The academic members should bring a new perspective to the management of Public Records. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Culture's notification represents an important update to the Archival Advisory Board's membership, ensuring its continued functionality and adherence to the Public Records Act, 1993. The appointment of new members from diverse backgrounds within government and academia signifies a commitment to effective management and preservation of public records. This amendment is significant in maintaining the board's advisory role and contributing to the preservation of national heritage.

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