Today, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for people outside of patent offices to have access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database.
National and international users would gradually be granted access to the TKDL database through a paid subscription model.
The government said in a statement that this clearance broadens the database's accessibility outside of patent offices and places an emphasis on merging and co-opting ancient knowledge with modern methods in order to promote innovation and trade.
"The TKDL will serve as a crucial resource for expanding the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
The current TKDL content "will promote new manufacturers and inventors to profitably create businesses based on our important knowledge legacy while also facilitating greater use of Indian traditional medicines," it stated.
According to the government's press release, the TKDL's opening would promote innovation and research & development based on India's cherished legacy in a variety of disciplines.
According to the New Education Policy 2020, the TKDL's opening is also intended to foster thought and knowledge leadership through Bharatiya Gnana Parampara.
The TKDL, according to the statement, can serve a broad user base, including businesses/companies [herbal healthcare (AYUSH, pharmaceuticals, phytopharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals), personal care, and other FMCG], research institutions, both public and private, educational institutions, educators, and students, as well as ISM practitioners, knowledge holders, patentees and their legal representatives, and the government, among others.