L-G underlines the need to conserve heritage structures in Puducherry
Speaking at the inaugural of the restored century-old Calve College Government School on Mission Street, the Lt. Governor said it was important to maintain and preserve heritage structures in the region. He expressed happiness over the restoration project which helped in preserving the Franco-Tamil architecture.
Recalling the mid-day meal provided in the school during the French time, the Lt Governor said Puducherry has the distinction of introducing the mid-day meal scheme first in the country. He also announced the shifting of his office and residence to the new building at Old Distillery Complex in a few weeks to facilitate the restoration of Raj Nivas.
In his address, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said the government had certain concerns in the beginning on taking up projects to restore heritage structures. The successful restoration of decades-old buildings, such as Calve College, Mairie Building and V.O.C School, has given the government confidence to take up work to protect heritage structures. The work to restore Raj Nivas would be taken up shortly and the government would continue to prioritise conservation of heritage buildings, he said.
Praising Subburaya Chettiar's family for donating the land to erstwhile French establishment for starting a school around 150 years ago, Minister for Public Works Department K. Lakshminarayanan said the family's gesture should be appreciated by everyone as the move to donate the land happened at a time when education was not accorded prime importance in this part of the world.
'The territory has progressed tremendously in the education sector. The allocation of 13% of the total Budget estimate shows the government's commitment towards school and higher education. The restoration of Calve College also points to the commitment towards attracting children to government schools. However, some politicians only want to present a negative picture of Puducherry by highlighting the liquor business in the Union Territory,' he said.
Education Minister A. Namassivayam said the administration was catering to all the needs of government schoolchildren. 'The government was giving books, bags, food, transportation and laptops free to the students. Several schemes that were pending have been restored in the recent times. With the assistance of the Central government, we will be able to ensure better development of the Union Territory in the days to come,' the Minister said.
Speaker R. Selvam, nominated legislator V. P. Ramalingam, Consul General of France in Puducherry and Chennai, Etienne Rolland–Piegue, secretaries P. Priyatarshny and P. T Rudra Goud were among those present at the inaugural.
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