Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 28: "The union and state governments have implemented various schemes for minorities and other backward classes. These schemes are their rights," said Melvin Noronha, well-known advocate of Mangaluru and secretary of Mangalore diocesan pastoral council.
He was speaking at a programme on 'Government schemes for minorities' organized by the Institute for Social Development in collaboration with the Development Committee of Mangalore Diocese on Sunday January 25.
M P Noronha further said, "Many of our poor people are ignorant of various schemes floated by the government. It is our duty to help them avail these benefits."
Fr Oswald Monteiro, director of Mangalore Diocese Development Committee and Institute for Social Development welcomed the gathering and later in his session elaborated the meaning of development and how people of any community can improve their economic situation by following Asset Based Community Development Approach. He further said that real development is visible only when people fully participate in any activity and make maximum use of their own resources and opportunities available.
Thereafter, the resource persons Ivan Menezes and Shanthi D’Souza, project coordinators in CODP, explained about various government schemes and different types of scholarships available to minorities and backward classes. Group discussion was facilitated on the topic.
The day’s programme commenced with a prayer service led by Sr Lenita, UFS, the co-convener of Development Committee and concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Rita Serrao, the secretary.
Lancy D’Cunha compered the programme. The participants included various Development Committee conveners, CAP conveners, parish vice-president and secretaries.