Kochi (PTI): Defence Minister A K Antony on Mondaylaid the foundation stone for the YMCA International Youth Centre at Trikkakkara near Kochi.

Antony said more people and organisations should come forward for rendering humanitarian services as the number of people requiring such services like the handicapped, helplesss and diseased have gone up.

He said humanitarian services should be given utmost priority by public servants and organisations.

Government alone will not be able to provide humanitarian services, he said, adding more individuals and private organisations should come forward to extend such services.

Antony launded the humanitarian work that is being undertaken by the YMCA since its inception.

Pointing out that the land value at Trikkakkara has gone up, Antony said his ministry wanted to start some defence-related institutions at this place but did not get land.

Presiding over the function, Babu C George, President, YMCA Ernakulam said that the proposed Centre will have international standard conference hall, library, volleyball and basketball courts and facilities for playing table tennis and billiards.

He said there is also a plan for beginning a vocational training centre at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore at the Youth Centre.