Bangalore, 25 August 2011: CM D V Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday assured leaders of the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA) that Christian Development Board announced by the state government would be set up soon. The government would appoint a suitable person as chairman and members from the Christian community as members giving due representation to regions and sizeable different denominations of the community.
Interacting with IFKCA delegation headed by Ronald Colaco, chairman at Krishna in Bangalore on Wednesday, the CM also assured them that he would ensure the state government withdrew cases filed against Christian youths in aftermath of attacks on Churches in various parts of the state in September 2009. The CM who said it is sad to hear the name of BJP dragged in to the incident said he would do so seeking cabinet approval on a priority basis.
Colaco submitted a memorandum wishing that CM ensure all-round development of the state in infrastructure, education, economic, social, and cultural and also create good environment for communal harmony among cross sections of the society, under his stewardship. The memorandum included request to constitute the Board, appoint a chairman and members giving due representation to different denominations of Christian community.
Colaco pointed that five months have passed ever since the government allocated Rs 50 crores for setting up the Board. The memorandum urged CM to instruct departments concerned to expedite the process of submitting recommendation of withdrawal of cases against Christian youths, following attacks on Churches in DK, Udupi and other districts, for cabinet approval and also explained the follow up done by IFKCA in this regard.