4 days ago
Bill to frame law for preserving state's public records tabled
AMONG THE Bills that were tabled in the state Assembly amid the uproar on Tuesday was the Uttar Pradesh Public Record Bill, 2025. In his statement, state Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said it was tabled to ensure a proper legislation for 'management, administration and preservation' of public records of the state as well as departments, legal bodies, corporations, commissions and committees constituted by it.
The proposed law prohibits 'taking of public records out of Uttar Pradesh', while also proposing imprisonment of term up to five years and fine up to Rs 50,000 for violators of the provisions.
'No person shall take or cause to be taken out of the state any public records without the prior approval of the State Government: Provided that no such prior approval shall be required if any public records are taken or sent, out of the state for any official purpose,' the Bill states.
It also proposes penalty for violators i.e., 'Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of section 4 or section 8 shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or with both.'
The proposed law has also made a provision for appointing records officers in every department and also formation of Archival Advisory Board.
Jaiveer Singh added, 'Archives act as the memory of a country, state, place, institution, which reflects our glorious history. Archives is a place to preserve important documents older than 30 years, public or personal records, manuscripts, maps books and documents having historical, cultural or national importance. An efficient records management system is necessary for the preservation of records of the State Government, statutory bodies and corporations, Commissions and committees constituted by the State Government.'
