Cabinet approves widening access to Traditional Knowledge Digital Library database

NEW DELHI: The cabinet has approved the widening access of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database to users and patent offices with the objective to drive research and development, and innovation based on India’s heritage. The initiative to expand the TKDL is also expected to inculcate Bharatiya Gnana Parampara, under the aegis of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. A paid subscription will be required to access the TKDL database.

"Indian traditional knowledge (TK) offers immense potential to serve national and global needs, therewith providing societal benefits as well as economic growth," said a statement from the cabinet. According to the cabinet chaired by prime minister Narendra Modi, the TKDL will be an important source of Indian traditional knowledge for improving the knowledge and technology frontiers. Presently, the TKDL content aims for the wider adoption of Indian traditional medicines such as Ayurveda. Siddha, Unani, Sowa Rigpa, and Yoga. However, it also aims to drive new manufacturers and innovators to invest in India's knowledge heritage.

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TKDL will cater to businesses, companies, personal care, research institutions, educational institutions and others, claims the cabinet. The cabinet also informed that more information on Indian traditional knowledge from other domains will be added to the TKDL database in future. Although the primary mandate of TKDL is to prevent the grant of wrong patents on Indian traditional knowledge, the TKDL database will also focus on innovation, effective solutions and technology, says the cabinet.