Library Act
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 22 2012: The State Government should implement the Manipur Public Library Act and constitute Library Directorate in order to promote public library in the State.

This was resolved during a panel discussion organised by the Manipur Library Association, Imphal with the theme Legislation Based Public Library Service in Manipur: Challenges and Opportunity today at the State Central Library, Keishampat.

The panellists pointed out that the Manipur Public Library Act was enacted in 1988 .

However, it has not been implemented till date.

The panellists contended that Public Library in the State could not make headway due to nonimplementation of the Act.

Speaking at the occasion, General Secretary of the Manipur Library Association, Dr Ch Ibohal pointed out that libraries in 19 Indian States where the Library Act has been implemented flourish.

He maintained that Manipur was the sixth State to have enacted the Public Library Act in India but the same has been kept in cold storage for the last 24 years.

While reiterating that the State Government should implement the Act, Dr Ibohal further said that the State Government has been urged on several occasions through memorandum for the immediate and effective implementation of the Act.

Another panellist, Dr Th Khomdon, Librarian in MU said public library gains significance in conformity with Article 12 of the Indian Constitution.

He stressed that the promotion of library is a State subject and hence the State should take adequate measures for its promotion.

Dr Khomdon is of the view that a Library Directorate be constituted to look after the welfare of libraries�from village and club level library to State Central library.

As a result of not receiving any patronage from the Government, all libraries in the State from State Central library to village/organisation/club run library are unable to function effectively, Dr Khomdom maintained.

Taking part in the discussion, MLA Karam Shyam said there are around 300 public libraries in the State.

He also assured to work consistently towards the welfare of library in the State.

Throwing in his opinion, founder Secretary of MALA, K Chaoba stated that the public library is under the Art and Culture department.

Stating that public library is in great demand in the State, he said the Government could not meet the demand on the pretext of lack of fund.

He said political support is needed for the promotion of public library.

The cabinet should take a decision for the implementation of the Public Library Act.

The Government should also provision in its budget for providing grant in aid to all libraries of the State.

Assistant Registrar of Gauhati High Court, MC Tiken opined that the Public Library Act, which was passed over two decades back, needs amendment.

The members present also felicitated MLA Karam Shyam, Life Member of MALA, on his success in the 10th Assembly election.

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