Mysore/Mysuru: Bishop of Mysuru Rev. Fr. Dr. K.A. William has urged the Government to establish a Christian Development Corporation for the overall welfare of the community.

He was speaking at a programme organised to felicitate newly- appointed Christian Development Council (CDC) Chairman Joylus D’Souza at St.Philomena’s College in Bannimantap here on Monday.

Pointing out that the CDC, which was formed in 2012, has only limited allocation by the Government, the Bishop observed that the CDC was of little help to educated Christian youth. 

Calling for upgrading CDC to Christian Development Corporation, he said that it will largely help the community’s youth and the poor.

Noting that many Government Departments have been using Christian educational institutions and health facilities for organising departmental programmes, he said it is regretful to note that officials were apathetic to the problems and plight of community members.

Appealing the Government to de-list Christian community from Category 3B reservation, the Bishop said that the current listing is disadvantageous to the community in many ways, be it in getting jobs or Governmental benefits. He asked the community leaders to urge the Government to drop the Christian community from 3B category list.

BJP leader Dr. Anil Thomas, in his keynote address, said that Chief Minister Yediyurappa, in his previous stint as CM in 2012, had set up Christian Development Council with a startup fund of Rs.50 crore. Now, Yediyurappa has allotted Rs.200 crore for the CDC in this year’s budget which is most welcome.

Maintaining that the grants provided by the BJP Government was very much useful for community members, he said that the other demands of the community will be brought to the notice of the Government.

New CDC Chairman Joylus D’Souza, who hails from Dakshina Kannada district, was felicitated on the occasion.

Bishop Mohan Manoraj, Fr. Leslie Moraes, Fr. Timothy John, Mathew B.Suresh, Robert and others were present.

CDC Chairman’s appeal to Govt.

Addressing a press meet at Patrakarthara Bhavan earlier in the day, CDC Chairman Joylus D’Souza said that the State Government has been appealed to establish Christian Development Corporation for better redressal of community issues.

He said that although the CM had sanctioned a big amount in 2012, the CDC has limited authority and can only take up works such as repair and development of Churches. Pointing out that the CDC has limited scope for overall development and welfare of the community, Joylus said that a memorandum will be submitted to the Government soon seeking establishment of Christian Development Corporation as a broader initiative for comprehensive development of the community.

Praising CM Yediyurappa and PM Modi for showing concern for the development of the society as a whole, he thanked the CM for allocating Rs.200 crore and extending support for community welfare measures.

Dr. Anil Thomas, Rev. Fr. S. Charles and others were present at the press meet.