Panaji, March 26 (IANS): Some government officials refer to Christians in a despicable manner and few bureaucrats even call them "pig-eaters", Caitu Silva, a legislator of the ruling coalition said in the state assembly.

Silva, a Goa Vikas Party (GVP) legislator from Benaulim constituency in South Goa, was speaking on Wednesday during the motion of thanks on the governor's address during the budget session.

"And some government officials in the hospital speak in such a despicable manner. I feel ashamed to say that some officers have said that the hospital in South (South Goa district) is to only save pig-eaters," Silva said, while critiquing the functioning of the health ministry of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, of which the GVP is a coalition partner.

The constituency Benaulim, which Silva represents, is located in the Salcete sub-district in South Goa, which has a high percentage of Christian residents.

Pork is a common part of the diet of Goa's Christian community's, which accounts for 26 percent of the state's 1.5 million population.

Silva also suggested that Christians were being picked upon by some bureaucrats, on account of their dietary traits.

Silva also told the state assembly that he was also in a position to identify one such officer, but did not take any name.

"These are the words used by a government officer. These words have been used because Christians eat pork? Officers should not do this. I know who the officer is," Silva said, adding that Goa's Christians "are not in anyone's debt" to be called "pig-eaters".