Imphal, May 26: Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, Yambem Laba has emphasised on the need to implement Cultural Policy of the State for further development of the existing cultural art forms in Manipur.

Speaking as chief guest in the 8th foundation day function of All Manipur Arts and Cultural Students� Union (AMACSU) at the Academy hall today, Laba lamented that Govt of Manipur has not taken up any concrete steps for development of art and culture of its people with clear understanding of its importance.

He pointed out that many experts in the field of art and culture are jobless and it is not possible to absorb all of them by the Academy.

It is essential to provide means of livelihood to such experts in the interest of development and refinement of performing art forms, he said, while pointing out the need to formulate and implement a cultural policy of the State.

He further informed that the Advisory Committee of the Academy would be taking a resolution to reduce age limit for appointment of teachers in the Academy from the present 40 years to 35 years.

Deputy Director of Art and Culture W Mera Singh and Pradhan Guru of the Academy M Kaminikumar Singh were guests of honour of the function presided over by AMACSU president Kh Nilo Singh.

Among others who spoke, AMACSU advisor observed that many young people who have been properly educated and trained in performing arts of Manipur have taken up other unrelated jobs as there is no scope for employment in their respective area of study.

This is another reason for decline in interest of taking up performing art forms of Manipur among the people today, he observed.

Colourful cultural dances were presented at the occasion.

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