Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah has earmarked Rs 100 crore for the establishment of Karnataka State Christian Development Corporation. Under this, minority students will be provided interest-free loans to the tune of Rs 20 lakh to pursue graduate and postgraduate degrees in foreign universities with a global ranking of below 250.
Presenting his 14th budget in Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha on Friday, the seventh as a Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said, “The central government has stopped financial assistance for the scholarship scheme for minority pre-matric students. However, we want to continue this project and for this we will give an annual grant of Rs.60 crore.”
He said that 10 Morarji residential schools will be opened for minority students in the current year.
A grant of Rs.8 crore will be provided to reputed institutes for JEE, NEET, CET training for students studying in minority pre-degree (PUC) colleges.
The establishment of the Christian Development Corporation was mentioned in the 2020 state budget. But later that decision was abandoned.
The establishment of the Christian Development Corporation was mentioned in the 2020 state budget. But later that decision was abandoned.
Siddaramaiah, earlier in his political career, had presented budgets under the chief ministerships of H D Deve Gowda, J H Patel, and Dharam Singh.
Welcoming the decision, Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bangalore, who is also the President of Karnataka Region Catholic Bishops’ Council and President of All Karnataka United Christian Forum for Human Rights, said, “The Christian Community of Karnataka is pleased to express its profound appreciation and gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah, for the momentous decision to elevate the Christian Development Council (CDC) to the esteemed Status of Christian Development Corporation. Furthermore, we extend our sincere thanks for the generous allocation of Rs. 100 Crore towards the progress and uplift of the Christian Community within the State.”
In a Press note, the prelate said, “The establishment of the Christian Development Corporation stands as a testament to the progressive and inclusive vision embraced by the Karnataka Government. It acknowledges and values the invaluable contributions and specific needs of the Christian Community.”
The Archbishop further stated that, “The decision to provide Rs. 100 Crore to the Christian Development Corporation is a praiseworthy stride in bolstering the comprehensive development of the Christian Community in the state. These funds will play a vital role in the implementation of diverse programs and initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by our community. They will pave the way for enhanced access to quality education, healthcare facilities, employment opportunities, and overall socio-economic growth. However, if the Government had allotted more funds, the community would have benefitted greatly to serve the poor and the marginalised.”
“We express our heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Shri. Siddaramaiah and the Government of Karnataka for their proactive approach in recognizing the contributions and aspirations of the Christian community. This gesture reinforces the Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering harmony, inclusivity, and the overall well-being of all communities residing in Karnataka,” the Archbishop said in the statement.
“The Christian Community of Karnataka eagerly anticipates the effective implementation of the various programs and initiatives under the Christian Development Corporation. We remain optimistic that these measures will contribute to our community’s holistic growth and well-being, empowering us to actively participate in the state’s journey of progress and development,” the note added.
Mr CM SIDDARAMAIAH JI
…. the Christian community highly appreciate your decision for fund allotment for our development.
This clearly shows how much your kindself have followed the activities N contribution of the Christian community towards the society. karnataka in General
GOD BLESS YOU and THE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA
It’s a fantastic initiative, most probably the first in India. Is it for Christian students of Karnataka only or is it also for outstation students who are studying in Karnataka?