"Government printing presses are major part of government functioning and there is a need for upgradation of technology at these presses," Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath said at the commemoration ceremony of the 150th year of government of India Press here.
Government presses under the Directorate of Printing are responsible for executing printing jobs of all departments of government besides printing forms for civil and defence purposes.
"It has come a long way. It started with the British time. It has a history and heritage. Today, there are about 18 presses and test book presses in the country. We will look at the expansion and new recruitment at these presses," Nath said.
Stressing on upgradation of technology at these presses, he said, "This is the digital age and technology is going under tremendous changes. Best of technology is the mantra for future."
Assuring the employees of these presses of government support, he said, "NBCC is preparing a road map to utilise the land resources of these presses. If government has to invest in the upgradation then it will invest and there will be no shortfall of finances. It has to be a world class printing press. If we call ourself a world class country then we must have world class printing presses."
Lauding the role of the staff, he said "Till date not a single instance has come to light of any leakage of any government paper."
Minister of State for Urban Development Deepa Dasmunshi said a printing press museum, first of its kind in the country, will be set up at Kolkata.
"Steps are being taken to set up a printing press museum at Kolkata where old printing technology will be preserved and displayed. It will be unique museum," Dasmunshi said.
