The Goa Archive maintains public records including property deeds, birth, death, and marriage certificates from the Portuguese regime. Visitors from remote areas frequent the Directorate of Archives daily to access these documents.
However, there's a limitation of inspecting and applying for only two documents per visit, which could inconvenience the public. While limiting inspection to two documents per person seems reasonable, those with detailed information should be allowed to apply for multiple documents. The office charges Rs. 50 per page for document copies.
The Minister for Archives should consider increasing seating capacity in the office to accommodate more visitors, reducing their need for frequent trips. The Directorate has digitized most documents, allowing people to view them on monitors in the office.
I urge the Minister to make these digitized documents accessible for inspection directly on the archive's website, with applications for certified copies to be submitted in person.
Streamlining the archive's operations is crucial for public service. The staff is commendable, but the government should prioritize public convenience in all sectors. Only then can it truly serve the people, by the people, and for the people.
