Veteran politician speaks on Parliamentary practice at MU

IMPHAL, Nov 19 : Veteran politician Okram Joy has called on the relevant authorities to introduce a dedicated course on the fundamentals of Parliamentary practice and procedure for aspiring politicians.
He made the statement during a function organised by Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU) at the Senate Hall of Manipur University (MU) to mark the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) PG Centre, today.
The JNU PG Centre, established in 1972, was upgraded to a State University (Manipur University) in 1980 and later accorded Central University status in 2005.
Addressing the function, Joy pointed out that many current MLAs and politicians appear to lack basic knowledge of Parliamentary practices and procedures.
He added that Manipur has now become a State where people show little respect for their elected representatives.
While rulers and kings were chosen through war and battle in the past, democracy has replaced conquest with debate, dialogue, and discussion as the legitimate means of attaining power, he said and called on the MU authorities to consider opening a course on Parliamentary practice and  procedure.
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping society,  Joy said, urging the authorities at MU to take proactive measures to guide the State toward the right path.
MU Vice-Chancellor Prof N Lokendra Singh delivered a detailed account of the university’s evolution, tracing its origins as the PG Centre of Jawaharlal Nehru University (established in 1972), its upgradation to a State University in 1980, and its elevation to Central University status in 2005.
He announced that the site within the MU complex where the foundation stone of the JNU PG Centre was originally laid will be upgraded this year by engaging an architect.
The VC also said that the expansion and upgradation work of the MU Museum is now at an advanced stage.
More than 100 colleges and institutions are currently affiliated with MU, he added.
The programme began by offering floral tributes at the  foundation stone of JNU Centre. A similar function was also held at Ibudhou Pakhangba Community Hall at Langthabal Kunja, during which the participants paid floral tributes at the portrait of former Manipur Chief Minister Md Alimuddin, under whose tenure the JNU, PG Centre was established.