Manipur MLA moots implementation of Public Library Act

Imphal, May 24 2012: With a view to create awareness on the importance of Public Library and also to mend the shortage in connection with public library, the Manipur Public Library Act will be brought up in the floor of the House during its Monsoon session, K Shyam, MLA, Langthabal A/C has assured.

MLA K Shyam was speaking as Guest of Honour of the Silver Jubilee celebration of Manipur Library Association (MALA) at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound here today.

The MLA observed that library plays an important role in the development of a society.

So, we need to bring about development in the Library system of the state.

For this, it is high time for MALA to take the initiative towards spearheading a public movement in the state.

The MLA further informed that since he has been newly elected, he has a lot to learn with regard to politics.

However, he is not going to leave any stone unturned in bringing about development in the society.

He also appealed to the general public to give him suggestions in this regard.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, Laishom Ibomcha, MLA of Keishamthong A/C pointed out that since the government has failed to take up measures for promotion of library in the state, the sorry state of library has prevailed in the state.

According to the Manipur Public Library Act, 1993, every district of the state should have a library.

However, no proper library has been established in all the districts so far.

He further lamented over the attitude of the state government in missed out from preparing a separate budget for the Library in the annual budget of the state government.

Even the Department of Art and Culture never tried to develop and promote the library movement in the state.

As such there is no likelihood that a separate Directorate of Library will be set up in the state as is seen in other states of India.

MLA Ibomcha also pointed out that since the State Central Library is located in a parking zone, the people find it difficult to concentrate in reading books of their choice peacefully.

So, either the parking or the Central Library needs to be shifted from the area, he proposed.

Padmashree Dr M Kriti, RK Jhalajit and N Inaocha, President of Manipur Library Association were Guests of Honour of the function during which annual report of MALA and a souvenir were also released.

Eminent columnists, critics and publishers were also awarded certificates of appreciation on the occasion.

Source: http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=22..250512.may12