Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Nov 18: Former MLC Ivan D'Souza urged chief minister B S Yediyurappa to reinstate Christian Development Corporation and asked for a justification to the community and reason behind rejecting the corporation.

Addressing media here on Wednesday November 18, Ivan D'Souza said, "We condemn the government's move to not pursue formation of Christian Development Corporation. The government has formed development corporation for every community be it Marata and Veerashaiva which has less population compared to the Christian community. Christian community exists in every district of the state and has also contributed in the field of education and health.

"The then Congress government sought the opinion of the community in forming the development corporation and was in the process which was later mentioned in the 2019-2020 budget during coalition government. But today, the effort of six years went in vain after the government denied the formation of Christian Development Corporation. In 2019, the government secretary submitted a letter for examining the proposal of forming the corporation. But after examining the proposal, the finance department advised the administrative department not to pursue formation of the corporation, as discussed and decided in a pre-budget meeting with chief minister.

"We want to know who guided the chief minister in taking this decision. Do you think we are undignified in the state? This is injustice to the Christian community and the result of doing good work in the society. Never underestimate our community. We demand to immediately reinstate the development corporation or else we would take to the streets and the government will be held responsible," Ivan D’Souza further added vexed over the decision.

Congress leaders Stany Alvares, Lancelot Pinto and others were present.