Chennai: The ancient copper plates from Tamil Nadu belonging to the Chola era, which are now with the Leiden University in Netherlands, would be brought back to the State, Minister for Tamil Culture and Archeology announced in the Assembly on Saturday.
Presenting the demand for grants for Arts, Culture, Museums and Archeology, the Minister said the copper plates dating back to the 11 century speaks of the genealogy of Raja Raja Chola and his contribution for the Buddhist vihara in Nagapattinam.
Three more archeological excavations would be taken up at Vembakottai in Virudhunagar district, Thulukkapatti in Tirunelveli district and Perumpalai at Dharmapuri, over and above the ongoing excavations at four places in the State, another announcement said.
As of now excavations are carried out at Keeladi in Sivagangai district, Mayiladuthurai and Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district. Rs 1.58 crore would be allotted for filling up 34 vacancies in undertaking the work at Keeladi, it was announced.
Among the other announcements made were on documenting the 90 rock paintings, expanding the archeological display at the Chennai museum, where a science centre would be set up in the students’ section.
Making the announcements for the Labour Welfare and Skill Development department, Minister C V Ganesan said a housing scheme for those registered under the Tamil Nadu Construction Workers Welfare Board would be started.
Two other existing labour welfare boards would be renamed to expand their scope in roping in more people. The unorganized drivers’ welfare board will be changed into Unorganized drivers and automobile mechanics welfare board, thus including the mechanics in the fold.
Similarly the old board for cooks would now become Cooks and Restaurant Workers Welfare Board, extending the benefit to one lakh workers in eateries.
He said ITIs would be modernized with help from the private sector to set courses suitable for the demands of the industry and a separate television channel would be launched to cater to those preparing for competitive examinations.
