The Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (PMML) has initiated remote access to its vast digital archive, enabling researchers to view rare historical documents from anywhere in the world. The institution, which houses more than 25 million archival records belonging to over 1,300 individuals and organisations, is undertaking a large-scale digitisation project to preserve and expand access to its collections.
The digitisation effort covers personal papers, correspondence, speeches, diaries and newspaper articles related to India’s modern and contemporary history. A substantial portion of frequently requested material has already been digitised and uploaded.
PMML has developed a dedicated IT platform through which registered scholars can submit online requests to access specific archival documents. Once approved, the material is made available on their desktop in a secure, view-only format, eliminating the need for physical visits.
The initiative is seen as a significant step towards modernising archival management while safeguarding fragile documents. PMML Director Ashwani Lohani said the move reflects the institution’s commitment to advancing high-quality research and improving access for scholars studying India’s historical and political evolution.