Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 18: MLC Ivan D’Souza imparted knowledge to the Christian community on the various government programmes on Sunday April 17 at Don Bosco Hall, Mother of Sorrows Church campus, here.

The awareness creative programme was organized by Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh and Shashkat Seva Samudaya Trust.

Speaking at the workshop Ivan said, "The government has provided various programmes, but the people have no knowledge about these schemes. The benefits of the programmes have not reached the community as expected. There is need to go to the rural areas for a door to door visit."

He demanded the change of Christian Development Parishat to Christian Development Commission.

Ivan urged the people to make use of all the available funds.

I always support corruption free administration and I am always there to fight against corruption.

The previous year the state government released Rs 100 crore to the minorities and this year Rs 125 crore has been released.

Harish Gaonkar, backward and minority department officer gave information on the various schemes such as providing financial assistance towards construction of Community Halls, repairs and renovation of churches, funds for providing basic necessities to orphanages, old age homes, providing various kinds of training under skill development programmes and also providing scholarships and incentives to Christian students through the directorate of minorities.

In the first phase he will be visiting six districts namely Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kodagu, Mysuru and others.

Veronica Carnelio, chairman, Karnataka Soap and Detergent Limited, William Machado, president, Catholic Sabha, Michael Ramesh D'Souza, taluk panchayat, Sridhar, management of the commission and others were present.