Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Aug 9: An exclusive computer training programme for Christian students was organized by the Directorate of Minorities, Government of Karnataka in collaboration with ACCPL (Aditya Call Center Private Limited) at Sahodaya here on Saturday August 9.

Addressing the gathering, director of Directorate of Minorities Government of Karnataka, Akram Pasha said, "The Department of Minority Welfare has provided various beneficiary schemes to six communities for their development. During 1999-2000, the government set aside Rs 23 crore in the budget, but today, the government has set aside Rs 800 crore.

"Though they are several schemes for the development of minorities, people fail to utilize them. This is because of administrative problem and lack of awareness. The department has also given a proposal to the government to increase the strength of staff which will soon be materialized. There are 28 schemes in the department for the development of minorities," he said.

"To educate people about various schemes, the department has set up information centers in 30 districts. A similar centre in Mangalore is at Kankanady. Staff in these centers will provide information about various schemes. Facilities of computers to download the application and a photocopy machine will also be provided," he added.

"The department will provide scholarship schemes for minority students so that they can educate themselves without any financial constraints," Pasha said.

Akram Pasha further elaborated on the minority scholarships and said, "The four types of scholarship schemes are pre-metric, post-metric, merit-cum-means scholarship for professional and technical courses, and national overseas scholarship. The scholarship amount will be directly credited to the student's account through an online transfer. The government is also providing incentives for minority students. It has also offered several schemes for the development of minorities to utilize the given opportunity."

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Milagres parish priest Fr Valerian D'Souza said, "The entire world is living with technology. Earlier man was in search of technology but today technology has reached his doorstep. Technology has changed the world. Even children are well versed with computer technology.

"Technology has improved the quality of life, it saves us time. Now technology has reached your doorstep. You should utilize this opportunity," he added.

MLA J R Lobo who was also present on the occasion said, "The Constitution has provided protection and rights to minorities in order to bring them to the mainstream. The government has introduced various schemes for the empowerment of minorities but they have failed to make use of them. We should utilize government provided schemes. It is also our responsibility. There is lack of awareness about the schemes. If any individual avails the facility, that should be discussed with people so that everyone will be aware of the scheme."

S P Thirunavukkarasu, managing director of ACCPL training division briefed about the training offered in the programme.

Sabeer Ahmad Mulla, district minority welfare officer was present on the occasion.