New Delhi: The Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) has launched a major digital initiative to provide restricted remote access to its extensive archival collection, enabling researchers worldwide to consult rare historical documents without visiting the facility in person.

PMML, a premier national institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of India's Prime Ministers, holds one of the world's largest repositories of archival material — over 25 million documents belonging to more than 1,300 individuals and organisations. These records remain a key resource for scholars studying Modern and Contemporary Indian History.

As part of a landmark digitisation project, the institution is converting a vast range of fragile archival materials, including personal papers, correspondence, speeches, diaries and newspaper clippings, into secure digital formats. A significant portion of the most frequently accessed documents has already been digitised and uploaded.

To support this effort, PMML has created a dedicated IT platform that allows registered researchers to submit online requests for specific documents. Once approved, the materials are made available for viewing on the scholar's desktop through a secure access system, ensuring both convenience and document protection.

PMML Director Ashwani Lohani said the initiative underscores the institution's commitment to strengthening research on Modern and Contemporary India by widening access while safeguarding invaluable historical resources.