MALA demands immediate implementation of Manipur Public Libraries Act 1988
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 09 2018:
Demanding immediate implementation of Manipur Public Libraries Act 1988, a sit in protest was staged by Manipur Library Association (MALA) at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai community hall today.
MALA vice president Dr Ch Ibohal, while speaking to media persons on the sideline of the protest, stated that the former President of India, Shankar Dayal Sharma introduced the Public Library Act 1988 in the year, 1993.But the act has not been implemented in the State, even after 25 years.
He lamented that the State Govt has continued to brush aside the demands of the association including immediate implementation of the said Act.
The association had submitted numerous memos to the authorities concerned but no positive actions have witnessed till date, he added.
The agitation supported by academicians, will continue if the Govt continue to neglect the demands of the association.
He further stated that the people of Manipur does not have the habit of reading books and with the development of technology and multimedia, the habit to read something from the internet has tremendously increased.
Stating that this new change can be unfortunate sometimes, he opined on having a library network and adopting the practice of reading books.
He added that a memorandum including a 8 points demand was also submitted to the Chief Minister today.
Apart from the demand to implement "The Manipur Public Libraries Act 1988", the memorandum demanded the creation of Directorate of Public Libraries with the appointment of a Library Professional as its Director and subordinate staff.
It also urged to provide grant-in-aid to beneficiary Libraries run by voluntary, organisations, for maintenance and remuneration of Librarian/caretaker.
The memorandum also demanded to make the defunct district Libraries functional at the earliest and to fill up the vacant posts of The State Central library, Public Library and the District Libraries of the State.
It also urged the authorities concerned to establish district Libraries in all the newly created districts.
It also demanded withdrawal of fund allocated in the budget for ADCs for Libraries in the districts and to reallocate the fund under the Directorate (Art & Culture) or DCs concerned.
The schemes of the Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) in the State should be implemented transparently and monitored carefully, the memorandum further demanded.
The association expressed hope that the State Govt will give a positive response to it's demands, at the earliest.