Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AP)

Mangaluru, Feb 24: Rajya Sabha member Oscar Fernandes Saturday, February 24 laid the foundation stone for residential flats for 930 beneficiaries under Ashraya scheme at Holy Cross Church hall, Shaktinagar, Kulshekar here. The project is the result of a three-year effort put in by MLA J R Lobo to bring this scheme to the locals

Parish priest of Holy Cross Church, Kulshekar Fr Victor Machado, Maulana Abdul Rehamania and priest Raghavendra Bhat performed the prayers.

Addressing the gathering Oscar Fernandes said, "This scheme will reach and benefit every household. It is many years since independence, but so many people still do not have a roof over their head. I have seen MLA J R Lobo work hard for his constituency. He has used funds allotted by the government well for development works. This scheme is a very attractive one and serves as a model for the rest of India. No other state in the country has introduced such a scheme till date."

MLA J R Lobo said, “Today, I have called priest of three religions for prayers to indicate that we are one and live in unity and also to spread the message of peace and harmony. There have been allegations that this scheme is a fraud one, but I had to toil hard for three years conducting several meetings to make it possible. Hence, I request not to spread false news about this scheme. I will distribute title deeds to all the beneficiaries to make it clear to people that this scheme is not a fraud one. I request all those who allege to allow me to work for the poor. Let God bless us to complete this apartment building in 18 months.”

Blossom Fernandes, mayor Kavitha Sanil, MUDA chairman Suresh Ballal, MCC chief whip Shashidhar Hegde, corporator Praveen Chandra Alva, Sabitha Misquith, Nagaveni and others were present.