New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) The government on Wednesday decided to set up a national memorial at the birthplace of social activist Jai Prakash Narayan at his birthplace in Bihar.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh told media persons that approval for setting up the memorial at Lala Ka Tola, Sitab Diara in district Chhapra (Saran) in Bihar was given by the union cabinet at a meeting here chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The National Democratic Alliance government's decision comes months before the assembly elections in Bihar, as well as a day before completion of 40 years of Emergency, which was strongly opposed by JP, as he was affectionately called, and during which he was jailed.

Singh said the memorial complex will house a virtual museum and an institute to undertake study and research on democracy, enhancing the role of panchayats in nation building and Gandhian thought.

"A mobile exhibition on JP and his life would also be created," he said.

Apart from this, an experimental centre which would make national flags in khadi would also be set up there.

The home minister said that the government will provide as much funds as are required for the memorial.