Archival documents; Five years imprisonment among punishments in new bill

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Kadannappalli Ramachandran introduced a new law in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday that prescribes punishment of up to five years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25,000 for destroying archival documents. Taking such documents outside the state borders will also be considered as an act of crime.

In response to the discussion, the minister said that a records management system will be created to protect the records of government departments, local bodies, public sector bodies, government commissions and committees. There are also provisions for handing over documents to the Archives Department, setting up record rooms, and preparing a retention list.

The Director of the State Archives Department shall be appointed as the authority of records. An Archival Advisory Board will be set up to advise the government on the maintenance of records.

The Bill was referred to the Select Committee. It will be considered in the next session with amendments.