Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Apr 4: MLC and KPCC spokesperson Ivan D'Souza on Monday March 4 urged the state government to form an independent corporation for Christians in order to provide more facilities to the community.

Addressing media persons at his office in Mangaluru City Corporation, Ivan said, "Even though Christians form 16% of the total minority population of the state they have not been able to utilize the funds provided by the state government under Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation Ltd (KMDCL). Due to various confusions over rules, only Rs 26 crore from Rs 40 crore rupees allotted for the Christian Development Board under KMDC has been utilized.

"Hence, if a separate corporation is formed for Christians, it will help them get the benefits from the government," he added.

"The corporation will be given a chairman and board of directors and this body will have the right to change the discrepancies in rules. For the time being, changes have to be made during the cabinet meeting," he said.

A committee has been appointed to make a survey of the minorities in the coastal region and on April 17, it will be visiting Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. On April 18, the committee will be in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru and on April 19, it will visit Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, said Ivan.

Regarding funds allotted for Christian minorities, he said, "The Christian Development Board under KMDC has received Rs 125 crore our of Rs 1,390 crore allotted for minority communities."

He later handed over a sanction letter of Rs 1.5 lac to Bhavya, a girl from Panemangaluru from the Chief Minister's relief fund.

Mayor Harinath, district Congress interim president Ibrahim Kodijal, former mayors Shashidhar Hegde and K Ashraf were present.