Manipur has got Assembly museum and archives

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, October 18, 2018: Manipur governor Dr. Najma Heptulla has advised the government to extend assembly session days during the function of inauguration of first Manipur Legislative Museum and Archives at old Assembly building today.

Heptulla said the Assembly session should be extended for a longer period as it is the only place where the people representatives get the chance to discuss issues.

“I also like to speak to the chief minister and I have spoken to the Speaker to take a decision the assembly session should be longer so that the members of the assembly be able to contribute not just as ruling party and but also the opposition. And I am sure if the government is responsible and government is working very well, then they will be not scared. Those ministers who are doing good work will be able to tell the people of their good work,” said the governor.

She said, I have full confidence that the Manipur Legislative Assembly Museum and Archives will be of great value and interest to the people of the state and will go a long way in fulfilling their aspirations. I feel proud to know that the Manipur Legislative Assembly Museum and Archives has already got an enviable range of invaluable books and will get only richer as it grows older.

Museums are also about the present and the future and not just the past. By establishing this institution, the Legislative Assembly is rendering a great service to posterity as the young generations will also be greatly benefited from it. I am sure the students and followers of Manipur political history will not be disappointed with the rich stock available in the Legislative Assembly Museum and Archives as the political history of Manipur pre and after attaining statehood in 1972 are equally exciting she added.

The speaker said that he found the parliament museum when he went to Delhi with 18 newly elected MLAs i April last year and it has inspired him to start for the museum and archives in Manipur.

The Speaker gave a positive note saying that he has acknowledged the suggestion.

The governor launched the museum and archives. She was associated with Manipur Speaker Y. Khemchand, deputy Speaker K. Robindro, former chief minister and opposition leader Okram Ibobi Singh, health minister L. Jayantakumar and chairman, Hill Areas Committee T.T. Haokip.

Former ministers, formers speakers and former MLA were present in the gathering among others.

Ibobi Singh said the museum with its archives will be helpful for the future generations to the research institutes with record of political history.  He also proposed for protection of royal palace and other old heritage buildings in the state.

Manipur conducted the democratic exercise in June 1948 during the reign of Maharaj Bodhchandra, with the first assembly session on October 18, 1948 was held at Durbar Hall of the royal palace.