FKCA delegation meet Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda
Bangalore, Sep 20: Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda has indicated that the
State Government would like to enhance the financial allocation for the
Christian Development Board from the Rs 50 crore announced by his predecessor to
Rs 100 crore next year. The Chief Minister gave this indication when a
delegation of the office-bearers of Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations
(FKCA) led by its Chairman Valerian Fernandes called on him in Bangalore on
Tuesday. Former Chairman of FKCA Charles Gomes was also part of the delegation.
Responding to a request made by Fernandes for
nominating a suitable person from the community, the Chief Minister said the
Government wanted to appoint an eminent and capable person from the Christian
minority community and also give suitable representation to different sections
in the proposed board, which is likely to be constituted shortly.
However, Gowda said the Government wanted to ensure that the entire funds were
properly utilized for the development and welfare of the community so that the
financial allocation could be doubled to Rs 100 crore in the budget for 2011-12.
The FKCA delegation comprised of former Chairmen
Charles Gomes and Austin Roache and other office-bearers besides presidents of
the different associations of Konkani Catholics in Bangalore.
On the demand for withdrawal of all the cases filed against the innocent
Christian youth in Mangalore, Udupi and other places following the series of
attacks against Christian churches in 2008, the Chief Minister said the
Government has already processed the file and taken necessary steps.
"A formal decision will be taken in the State Cabinet meeting shortly", he said
pointing out that he had already given a promise to the Archbishop of Bangalore
Dr Bernard Moras, Mangalore Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza and various other
Christian leaders. Responding to the request made by Fernandes about the promise
made by former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa during the annual FKCA Day for the
year 2008 regarding the allotment of one acre land to FKCA, Gowda asked the FKCA
to identify suitable land in Bangalore and take steps to put forth a proposal
from the Bangalore Development Authority so that he can process the file
immediately.
"We will definitely honour the commitment", he added.
Fernandes pointed out that the FKCA representing Konkani Catholics had over 25
Associations affiliated to it from different parts of the State and even from
several foriegn countries. The former Chief Minister, who was the chief guest at
the annual FKCA Day programme held in January 2009 along with the then Home
Minister Dr V S Acharya, who is presently the Minister for Higher Education, had
announced that the Government would allot the land.
