Mangaluru: The Karnataka Minorities Development Cell organized distribution of cheques under Shramashakthi Scheme and workshop on ‘Arivu CET’ for PUC students at the Loyolla hall, St Aloysius PU College Kodialbail here, on January 23.
The programme began with an invocation. Director district KMDC Somappa welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by the member of Rajya Sabha Oscar Fernandes by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering Oscar Fernandes said that India has unity in diversity. Every one has the right to practice their own religion. He further said that the state government led by CM Siddaramaiah has reserved education funds for the minority community in the budget. So that no one should be deprived from getting education. For higher studies the government is giving scholarship and loan for the students so that the students can pursue their education and be successful in their future. He congratulated the KMDC for holding the programme of distributing cheques amounting Rs 86 lakh.
MLC Ivan D’ Souza said that the MLA of Mangalore South Constituency J R Lobo has taken initiative in bringing funds worth Rs 86 lakh. Earlier due to lack of knowledge the funds which were reserved for the minority were not used, but Lobo has taken the initiative to bring the funds to DK. We need to bring awareness among the people of DK and make the minority community to be benefited from the schemes reserved for them.
Chairman of State KMDC Masood Fouzdar said that there are a number of schemes for the minority community. Under Shramashakthi Scheme, the minority artisans will be trained to upgrade their Artistic and Technical skill to carry on with their trade or for commencing or developing small business and a loan upto Rs.25,000/- (maximum) will be provided at lower rate of interest to improve their business out of this will be considered as 25% Back end subsidy to the beneficiary, if the beneficiary repay the 75% of the loan sanctioned within specified period of 36 months. In case the beneficiary fails to repay the loan within the period of 36 months the 75% of the loan sanctioned the 25% subsidy portion will also be treated as loan.
MLA J R Lobo delivered the presidential address and said that the state government has brought many schemes for the development of the minority community. The government has brought Arivu CET. Under this scheme, religious minority students who are desirous for pursuing professional courses like Medical, Engineering, Dental, Master Degree Courses, Diploma Courses, Nursing, B.Ed, BBM, BCA, D.Ed, D-pharma, Pharma-D and ITI are provided financial assistance ranging from Rs 5,000/- to Rs 50,000/- per year until the completion of the course.
Lobo further said that there are a number of opportunities for the students and students should make use of them. He also said that through Shramshakti the state government has been giving loan to the minorities to start their own business. Beneficiaries should not wait for the loan to be waved but try to repay the loan so that the government can help others who are in need. He said we should work hard to increase our wealth.
Member of Rajya Sabha Oscar Fernandes distributed the cheques to the beneficiaries on the occasion. Under Shramashakti scheme 250 beneficiaries received Rs 62.5 lakh,Shramashakti (Christian) 42 beneficiaries received Rs 10.5 Lakh and 53 beneficiaries received Rs 13.25 lakh. Total amount of Rs 86.25 Lakh worth cheques were distributed to 345 beneficiaries. Mayor Jacintha Alfred, Bhasker Moily, MD of KMDC Mohammed Salim and others were also present.
