Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Mar 3: "The state government is drafting specific schemes keeping the interest of Christian minorities," said MLC Ivan D’Souza in a media interaction on Friday March 3 on developments, schemes and programmes under the State Minorities Development Corporation.
"Christians constitute around 4% (30 lac) of the total population in the state. At present, Christian Development Council is working for the betterment of minorities and chief minister Siddaramaiah has released a total of Rs 125 crore for the development of the community.
"The government has decided to install information centres in three taluks in Udupi district. The CM has been given inputs to understand how these funds will be properly utilized for uplifting the community. I have visited 24 different districts of the state and examined progress of the government schemes with regard to minority development projects."
MLC Ivan also spoke about certain demands put forth by the Christian community. The demands were - to upgrade the Christian Development Council as Christian Development Board, to increase the total funds from Rs 125 crore to Rs 300 crore in view of many people living below poverty line in places such as Kalaburagi, Koppala and Yadagir.
The demands also included appointment of a Commission for Minorities and to establish a training, employment and placement centre in four regional places. These centres will give specific training for IPS, KPS, banking and competitive exams.
He also demanded release of funds for minorities in order to travel to the holy land of Jerusalem, and to reserve funds for constructing hostels in 2016-17 budget for Christians working in urban areas.
"Two new applications have been received for building Christian Community hall. These halls will promote art, culture and literature in cities like Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Kolar, Kalaburagi and Belagavi," he said.
As many as 11 new proposals were received and discussed during the meet.
Marshal Monteiro, Karnataka State Minority Commission member, Ramesh D’Souza and Wilson Rodrigues, Zilla panchayat member were present.
"Dropped steel flyover project due to public pressure, not BJP"
In a separate address to the media regarding dropping of Bengaluru steel flyover project, MLC Ivan said, "Dropping the Bengaluru steel flyover project was to respect the sentiments of public and not due to opposition by the BJP. The opposition party has been misleading the people constantly. The flyover was aimed at providing relief to commuters from traffic.
"Congress never withdrew the project due to fear of the BJP. The plan was proposed by the BJP government during its term. We were trying to implement this plan. BJP levelled an allegation that there was corruption in the project, and over time, public also started to oppose this plan, hence we dropped it. That's it," he clarified.