Madurai MP pats govt for Rs 30-cr fund to archaeology 

“Rs 30 crore is a sufficient fund. This is the first time in the history of the state government that Rs 30 crore has been allotted for archaeology department. In the previous years the allotment for the department would be not more than Rs 3 crore and considering the fact the allotment is manifold,” said Venkatesan, while participating in a function along with state Minister for Cooperation Sellur K Raju.

Recently, the sixthphase of excavation commenced in Keezhadi Archaeological Site in Sivaganga district. In the previous five phases excavation was carried out only in Keezhadi, but considering the demands of experts and Tamil enthusiasts, state government decided to expand excavation in three other villages surroundingKeezhadi such as Agaram, Kondagai and Malanur.

Meanwhile, in the recently held Budget session the state government allotted Rs 12.21 crore to setup state-of-art onsite museum in Keezhadi. The decision to establish onsite museum was also welcomed by the Tamil activists.

Venkatesan, who is an expert by himself on Keezhadi, said, “The state government should hold consultations with the archaeological and Tamil experts on setting up the onsite museum in Keezhadi.