Cabinet nods to cultural varsity
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 22 2014:
With a view to alleviate the rich cultural heritage of Manipur to a much higher and refined plane, the State Cabinet has resolved to set up a cultural university in line with Russia's Moscow State Art and Cultural University.
The Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi this afternoon decided to augment Art and Culture Department and alleviate the rich cultural heritage of Manipur to a higher plane, said Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam during a press briefing after the Cabinet meeting.
The proposed cultural university would be set up on the model of Russia's Moscow State Art and Cultural University.
In order to augment Art and Culture Department, the State Cabinet agreed to rename the department as the Department of Cultural Affairs.
It was also agreed to raise the budgetary allocation of the department from 0.27 per cent to 0.75 per cent of the total budget amount.
Art complexes of five acres each would be developed under the proposed university at every district headquarters and each complex would be equipped with auditoriums, theatres and art galleries.
The Cabinet further resolved to institute a life time achievement award which would carry a cash incentive of Rs 10,000 and it would be given to art and culture exponents of the State.
As decided at the Cabinet meeting, a health scheme for artistes would be launched soon.
Pensions and fellowship amounts given to artistes would be hiked in addition to increasing the number of artistes receiving pensions and fellowships.
It was also agreed to preserve and protect all cultural heritage sites of the State.
The State Cabinet has also given its consent to establishment of a film city.
For this, an area of 200 to 500 acres have been identified in Imphal East district, Govindas said.
In line with the decision to augment Art and Culture Department, 220 posts would be created in addition to appointment of 46 posts for the libraries located in the nine districts and three sub-divisions.
Apart from giving its consent to amendment of municipal building by-law, the Cabinet decided to make it compulsory for all new buildings which has a roof not less than 100 sq metres and plot of 1000 sq metres to install solar power plants.
The Cabinet agreed to upgrade 11 Government high schools to the level of higher secondary schools.
The high schools listed for upgradation to the level of higher secondary schools are Chakpikarong Govt H/S, Sagang H/S, Thanlon H/S, Parbung H/S, Langmei H/S, Gelnel H/S, Churachandpur H/S, Nungba H/S, Kangvai H/S and Azad H/S.
Principals and Vice-Principals of these schools would be appointed through MPSC but preference would be given to local candidates during appointment of Lecturers for these schools, Govindas said.