‘Avail All the Benefits given by Government’-MLC Ivan tells Christians

‘Avail All the Benefits given by Government’-MLC Ivan tells Christians

Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at his office inside MCC, Congress Chief Whip, MLC and also the Vice President of Karnataka Christian Development Parishath Ivan D’souza said, ” Even though the government has chalked out various schemes for Christian community, reserving Rs 3,750 crore for minorities in the budget, highest among any of the states in the country, through its Department of minority welfare. In this, Rs 800 crore is meant for Christian communities of various disciplines. But unfortunately, only a few Christians are lacking in availing the benefits. So with my own money, I have printed nearly two lakh brochures which will be circulated across the state at Churches and other Christian institutions/organizations to create awareness among the people belonging to Christian community, on the various facilities provided by the government to them.”. The brochures were released during the press meet by MLC Ivan along with other dignitaries present namely- Fr Mathew Vas-Parish Priest of Nagori Church; Fr Ison Palanna- CSI Church Priest; former MCC mayor Ashraf, Marcel Monteiro- member of Karnataka State Minority Committee; corporator Navin D’Souza and Catholic Sabha, Mangaluru president Anil Lobo.

“The brochure contains information on schemes such as self-employment schemes, Shrama Shakthi, Arivu loan, National Overseas Scholarship, Dairy farming, Ganga Kalyana, Goods and Taxi purchase, Hostel facilities and skill development programmes. A campaign will be conducted for two-and-a-half months in the state. In order to provide free coaching for competitive examinations for students belonging to minorities, along with the existing scholarship schemes, plans are afoot to establish training centres each in four divisions in the state: Hyderabad-Karnataka, Mysuru-Karnataka, Mumbai -Karnataka and Bangaluru Subdivision. Also, minority hostels will be built in the areas having more minority population” added Ivan.

He further said, ” I have requested the chief minister to convert the State Christian Development Council into a corporation or a board, which can formulate the schemes and implement them by themselves, on the model of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Setting up a separate corporation will be essential for the welfare of the Christian community, which only constitutes 4% of state’s population. In this regard, I have also requested the CM to allot extra Rs 500 crore towards this project. And since a lot of people are yet to get Aadhaar cards I have requested the government to extend the time period for enrollment of Aadhaar cards, and not to make Aadhaar Card mandatory to avail the benefits under the CM’s relief fund. Recently the government has issued a circular in this regard. Since many people are yet to enroll for the Aadhar Card, and the enrollment drive is still on, this rule should not be enforced so soon”.

“Why can’ Christians be IAS, IPS or other top post officers in the law enforcement field? They too can- so I will see that Christians also take this opportunity to go to college and get training in these fields through the scholarships provided under the CM’s grant. The grant also pays up to Rs 50,000 for the newly-married Christian couple- but they need to produce a photograph of their wedding reception. All these and much more benefits should be utilized by Christians without wasting any time. Funds are there, but no takers from the Christian community. It’s time to wake up, act fast and enjoy the benefits provided by the government” concluded MLC Ivan D’souza.