MLA Ranjit regrets CM's inability to keep his words
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 02 2022:
Deeply concerned over non-implementation of assurance made by the chief minister in the state assembly in 2021 regarding promotion of Manipur film industry, Opposition MLA K Ranjit grilled the government in the ongoing assembly session and demanded a clear answer on whether the assurance made by the CM will be converted into action or not.
When the demand for grants of art and culture was moved for discussion and passing on the 8th day of the Assembly session, Congress MLAs K Ranjit and Surjaku-mar Okram raised Policy Cut Motions while citing the government's alleged inability to translate into action the memorandum submitted for promotion of Manipur him industry, formation of Manipur Cultural Advisory Board and proper functioning of Manipur State Kala Akademi.
In his argument, K Ranjit said that the film industry provides jobs to all sections of people irrespective of young and old.
While pointing out that the film industry is ranked ninth among big industries of the country and helps in government's revenue generation, he said that though Manipur is rich in art and culture and him plays a big role in identifying Manipur to the world, the him industry seems non-existent in Manipur.
At one point of time, there were more than 60 cinema halls in Imphal and the government collected revenue of around Rs 1 crore each year from 1995 to 1998 through amusement tax collected from these cinema halls, Ranjit maintained and regretted that only one cinema hall is now functioning in Imphal now.
In view of vanishing cinema halls and financial loss of film producers, an apex body of four film associations named Action Committee for Manipur Film Industry submitted a memorandum to CM Biren on December 2, 2020.The memorandum urged government to separate film-related activities from art and culture department and merge the same with parent department, IPR.
The memorandum also demanded establishment of good relation with the Ministry of Infor mation and Broadcasting and continue film related activities properly.
Just as the Ministry has National Film Development Corporation, the State Film Development Corporation should be under DIPR and establish Manipur State Film Finance and Development Corporation at the earliest.
The memorandum also urged the state government to demand a financial package from the Union ministry for improvement of film industry in the state.
According to K Ranjit, he placed the demands mentioned in the memorandum to the House on February 22, 2021 and CM Biren in his reply informed about the government's efforts towards translating the demands into action and also assured of taking up positive action within March, 2021.However, CM Biren has failed to honour the commitment he made in the House, Ranjit said and strongly demanded a clear-cut answer on whether the CM's assurance will be converted into action or not.
In his clarification, chief minister Biren, who also holds art and culture portfolio, said that the government is working towards promotion of Manipur film industry and assured of looking into feasibility of putting Manipur Film Industry into the folds of DIPR in line with the Union ministry though the industry is under art and culture department at present.
The chief minister also assured of discussing the matter after the end of assem bly session.
The chief minister also placed in the House that Cine Commission has been formed under Manipur Cine Policy and the commission had already convened meeting to discuss about implementation of Cine policy.
He also said that the state is getting fund from the Centre for promotion of film industry and staff of State Kala Akademi has been increased to 41 with the induction of 19 new staff.
Budget for the Akademi was earlier Rs 29 lakh but it is now Rs 159 lakh, CM Biren said and further assured of completing Akademi's building and appointment of full-time secretary.