Imphal, May 18: Art and Culture Minister Ph Parijat today informed the Assembly that cash incentive would be given to the producers of Manipuri digital films just as it is being given in to the producers of celluloid films and a minifilm studio would be set up to promote the digital film industries in Manipur.

In his response to the discussion on the Demand for Grant of Art and Culture Department during the Assembly session today, the Minister further informed that PWD has been entrusted with the task of demolishing around 100 buildings located inside Kangla Fort which are of not archeological value.

The Minister said the State Government has started discussing the matter related to extending cash incentive to producers of Manipuri digital films just like it is being given to the producers of celluloid films.

In order to promote the digital film industries, the State Government would also set up a mini film studio where facilities for editing among others would be provided, he said.

On the issue of development of Kangla, the Minister informed that PWD has been entrusted with the task of demolishing around 100 buildings including the barrack of the Assam Rifles located inside Kangla Fort which are of not archeological value.

The work would begin within the next two-three months, he added.

A sum of Rs 5 crores has been earmarked in the Special Plan Assistance for development of Kangla, he said, adding that a Rs 105 crores project to be taken up by the NBCC has also been prepared.

The Minister further clarified that the delay in completion work of the Government Art College is due to undue interference from some quarters.

Nonetheless, he informed, a sum of Rs 3 crores would be sanctioned in the current year for construction of the fencing wall and separate hotels for boys and girls.

Taking part in the discussion of the demand, Opposition MLA Dr Ng Bijoy moved a Policy Cut Motion and pointed out more fund should be provided for development of Art and Culture in Manipur just like the sports.

Including fund at the minimal level in the budget would not help in development of art and culture, he observed.

He also noted that every possible measures should be taken up by the Government to complete construction of the Art College for its further development.

Students who have passed out from the college have already become teachers today and students from Assam who have study from this Art college have set up Art Colleges after going back, yet the construction of the college building has not been completed till today, he observed.

The State Government should also take up necessary measures for development of the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad by providing the requisite land, he added.

MLAs O Joy and RK Anand were also among others who come up with their observations during the discussion.

During the course of discussion on the Demand of MAHUD, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh informed the House that a sum of Rs 12 crores has been set aside for development of infrastructures at the district headquarters of the hill districts.

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