Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (UM)

Udupi, Jan 9: Bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo met chief minister Siddaramaiah during the latter's visit to the district on Monday Janury 8.

The bishop and the CM met for lunch at the residence of Udupi district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj at Kolalgiri, where the chief minister stayed overnight.

The bishop said that it was a courtesy call to the CM to congratulate him on the good work his government has done in the state.

On the occasion, the bishop held a brief discussion with the CM on matters concerning the Christian community.

He specially urged Siddaramaiah to release funds sanctioned for the development of St Lawrence Minor Basilica at Attur, Karkala. "The plan to develop the surroundings in and around the Basilica, including the approch road, is ready. We urge you to release the funds immediately so that work can begin," the bishop told the CM.

The bishop also told Siddaramaiah that due to delay by the education department, the Chrisitan primary schools are yet to be handed over to the Udupi diocese, and requested the CM to resolve this issue at the earliest.

The chief minister in response assured to take appropriate action in the matters.

The bishop also felicitated the CM on the occasion.

Ministers U T Khader and Pramod Madhwaraj, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Fr Denis D'Sa, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, Prashanth Jatanna, NSUI Udupi district president Christian D'Almeida and others were present.