Manipur Library Act 1988 yet to be implemented
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 15 2015: November 14 to 20 has been observed as the National Library Week across the country.

However, the Manipur Public Library Act which was passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly in 1988 is yet to be implemented even after 27 years.

In connection with the week-long observation, Manipur Library Association (MALA) President Kangjam Chaoba while speaking to Hueiyen Lanpao also informed that Manipur became the Sixth State in India to have passed the Library Act.

He however rued the fact that the State was yet to implement the Act after passing the same long time back.

Today, a total of 19 States in the country has Public Library Acts and they have fully implemented the Acts.

However, Manipur has failed to bring in any changes even after passing the Act.

He also lamented that the fact that there was no library movements in Manipur and people were yet to get the benefits of a library with good collection of books, said Chaoba.

Chaoba further informed that though there were many libraries in schools and colleges of Manipur, the quality of books kept there were not academically adequate.

He informed that the largest library in Manipur, State Central Library under Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata has only seating capacity of 20 to 30 persons.

The library also does not have any special reading rooms for students who want to prepare for academic or competitive examinations.

Librarians in schools and colleges are powerless since the State Government has failed to provide any special budget for the development of libraries.

Many libraries in the State exist only in name as principals of schools and colleges and directors of departments have failed to have a serious look into the matter.

To bring a change, Manipur Government, public and library authorities need to work together, added Chaoba.

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