Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Aug 22: Mangaluru bishop Fr Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, in a programme held at Bishop's House, Kodialbail on Friday August 21, felicitated Mangaluru south constituency MLA J R Lobo on being appointed as president of state legislature backward class and minorities committee. The bishop blessed MLA Lobo on the occasion.

"J R Lobo has been an able administrator and serves people of all categories without distinction. We are glad that MLA Lobo is elected as president of the committee. Let minorities and backward class of people get necessary guidance from him. Let the position get prestige through his service model," said the bishop, while congratulating MLA Lobo.

Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy president Roy Castelino speaking on the occasion, said that it is rare that the position of president is bestowed to an MLA who is elected for the first time. "It is a matter
of pride for Dakshina Kannada district", he said.

Mangaluru diocese council secretary M P Noronha speaking on the occasion said that it is necessary to amend the present laws and create Catholic development board or corporation to facilitate catholic institutes to buy agricultural land and conduct agricultural activities and requested MLA J R Lobo to pay special attention to it.

Responding to the request, MLA Lobo suggested that a memorandum be submitted to him in this connection. "60% of the population in the country consists of backward class and minorities. The committee has the power to discuss their welfare, prepare projects and recommend their implementation. So the post carries huge responsibilities. The government and the speaker has appointed me as the president of the committee and I will work sincerely to maintain the trust bestowed on me," he said.

Diocese public relations officer Fr William Menezes, Stany Alvares, Krithin Kumar, Walter Monteiro and Four Winds director E Fernandes were present on the occasion.