Treatment of classified papers

56. Treatment of classified papers - (i) The provisions contained in this manual apply primarily to unclassified papers. In handling classified papers, the official concerned will exercise special care and follow the provisions under the Departmental Security Instructions' issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Since according to these instructions classified papers (other than confidential) are expected to be handled either by officers themselves or in sections designated as `secret' or `top secret', it is essential that in sections not so designated : (a) a separate set of registers and other records (e.g., dak register, section diary, file register, file movement register, precedent book, index slips, various arrears and disposal statements and electronic storage devices) are maintained by Section Officer herself/himself; and (b) the recording of such files and their review is also undertaken by him personally, keeping in view the provisions under the Departmental Security Instructions. (ii) Every classified file shall be reviewed once in five years for declassification. A declassified file considered fit for permanent preservation will be transferred to the National Archives.