IMPHAL, February 13: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh while lauding the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council for organizing the Shumang Leela Ningtham Kumhei, 2013 without any financial help from the state government said his government will consider the provision of grant in aid from the next edition of the festival.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the closing function of the festival today at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.
Elaborating further, the Chief Minister said that the government has instituted several awards in the field of literature in the state and as such the festival is also entitled to get help from the state government.
Saying that the land on which the office of the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council office is located is under the State Arts and Culture department, he will instruct the concern department to change it in the council’s name.
The Chief Minister also donated a sum of Rs One Lakh to the council from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund.
Sugunu MLA, K Ranjit who is also an adviser of the council in his speech said Shumang Leela could highlight the present problems of the state and be instrumental in solving the different conflicts arising among the communities of the state.
Shumang Leela conveys message to the people by showcasing the different traditions, culture and beauty of the state, he continued.
Elaborating on the need to promote Shumang Leela in the state, he said that the art form also helps in imparting social values among the youth of the state.