IMPHAL, December 15: The State government has taken initiative to open a National Book Trust of India branch in Manipur. Alongside, the government has been working towards revitalising the library movement in the State, said M Okendro.
The Education Minister of the State made the above statement, as chief guest on the inaugural function of the 23rd Imphal Book Fair held at Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) ground here today, organised jointly by the State Central Library, Department of Art and Culture with Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata.
Okendra also said that the government will increase the Life Time Achievement award to Rs 5 lakh for writers to motivate them. Various awards for writers and publishers are also being prepared by the government, he added.
He also said that the government is trying to give facilities of e-library to 28 colleges through the Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, RUSA for the welfare of the students and their education.
The government is also taking necessary steps in connection with the vacant post of librarians in the 19 government colleges, which is going to be filled up through the MPSC. He appealed to the students to take maximum advantage of the book fair.
L Ibomcha, MLA of Keishamthong A/C speaking as the guest of honour lauded the organiser, saying that Imphal Book Fair is the only fair organised jointly with RRRLF and State Central Library.
The State Central Library, which is currently under the Art & Culture department, will be more appropriate if it comes under the Education department, he proposed.
He lamented that in such book fairs, sellers usually do not earn enough profit because there are not enough buyers. This may be due to lack of readers, which is worrisome, he added.
During the function, nine books were released, which include: `Pottery In Manipur`™ written by Dr M Broleshowri, `Panthoibi Langon Langdai`™ and `Maheigi Lairembi (Shilleima)`™ by Irabot.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/12/23rd-edition-of-imphal-book-fair-gets-under-way/