New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) The Delhi Cabinet has approved a Research Fellowship in Archives and a Research Fellowship in Archaeology to facilitate the scientific study, documentation and digitisation of Delhi’s historical heritage, said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday.

Nearly 27 fellows will receive a monthly fellowship ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 for a year under the proposal, she said.

The world will now be able to gain a deeper understanding of the official and authentic history of India’s capital, Delhi, a history that has been preserved for centuries in archives, manuscripts, archaeological sites, and monuments, she said in a statement.

“Through these fellowships, Delhi’s history will be presented in a research-based and authentic manner to future generations as well as researchers across the world,” she said.

The Delhi Cabinet has approved both fellowship schemes with this objective, said the Chief Minister.

She said that Delhi is not only the national capital but also a living heritage of thousands of years of history, culture, and civilisation. Preserving this invaluable legacy, ensuring its scientific study and systematic documentation, and making it accessible to future generations are among the Delhi Government’s priorities.

She said the fellowships have been approved to fulfil this objective.

The Chief Minister said the Research Fellowship in Archives aims to promote high-quality archival research, strengthen archival management, encourage the digitisation of historical records, and make historically significant documents more accessible to the public.

The scheme will provide an institutional platform for researchers, archivists, conservation specialists, historians, linguists, and heritage experts to undertake specialised studies on various aspects of Delhi’s history and archival science.

Under the fellowship, work will be carried out in areas such as records management, preservation and conservation of archival material, digitisation of records, dissemination of information and data, microfilming and reprography, research and publications, and subjects related to Oriental languages, particularly Urdu and Persian.

Each year, a total of 15 fellows will be selected for a one-year term and will receive a monthly fellowship ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

Chief Minister Gupta said the Research Fellowship in Archaeology aims to promote the study, conservation, and enhancement of Delhi’s rich archaeological sites and monuments.

The scheme will particularly encourage research on the history, archaeology, architecture, and conservation of Delhi’s lesser-known historical monuments, giving fresh momentum to both heritage conservation and tourism.

Under the scheme, a total of 12 fellows will be selected every year for a one-year term. They too will receive a monthly fellowship ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000.

Chief Minister Gupta said the two fellowship schemes will help build a strong pool of trained and skilled professionals in the fields of archives, archaeology, and heritage conservation.

–IANS

rch/uk