The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Separate dept. for Christian welfare

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Saturday, Jul 19, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Separate dept. for Christian welfare

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy has agreed to the proposal to create a separate department for the welfare of Christians.

The proposed department will look after all the issues of Christians in the State, which was earlier handled by the Minority Welfare Department. Dr. Reddy at a review meeting with officials here on Friday said the new department will be headed by a Principal Secretary and other support staff. In another significant decision, a separate Finance Corporation for the Christians will also be constituted.

Pilgrimage

The first-ever government-funded pilgrimage by Christians to holy places associated with the life of Jesus Christ in Israel, such as Bethlehem, will begin in August. It is being organised on the lines of the Haj for Muslims. A similar facility is proposed to be offered to other minorities like Sikhs and Parsis. The Chief Minister approved a budget of Rs. 2 crore for this purpose.

Talking to reporters later, Minorities Welfare Minister Mohd. Ali Shabbir recalled the government’s decision to provide funds to different communities within the minorities in proportion to their population from the Rs. 127 crore budget earmarked for them. Mr. Shabbir said the meeting resolved to organise mass marriages for Muslims from August with government subsidy.

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Andhra Pradesh