KMDCL distributes cheques among Christian beneficiaries

KMDCL distributes cheques among Christian beneficiaries

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Apr 22, 2012: The Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation Limited (KMDCL), Government of Karnataka, distributed loans among Christians at a special ceremony held for the same at the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) on Saturday. 

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Yogish Bhat said that lending helps economic development among the minorities, adding that government loan facilities hardly reach the beneficiaries in many cases. Simultaneously, he said that the vocation training and provision of loan facilities must go hand in hand because beneficiaries who lack vocational training cannot use the loans appropriately and then cannot pay it back. Mr. Bhat also suggested that social audit of loans provided must be maintained to determine if the beneficiaries have really benefited by the loan.

Addressing the gathering, MLA U. T. Khader said that loans must be channelized in the right way and strategies must be developed for economic growth. Giving the example of Infosys, he said that the company began with small investment, but grew to gigantic proportions by utilizing its financial resources properly. 

The MLA further said that, of the total Rs. 1 lakh crore state budget, Rs. 100 crore has been earmarked for Christian community welfare. He also said that the government must relax laws pertaining to licenses for the construction and renovation of churches. 

Delivering the introductory address, KMDCL Chairman N. B. Aboobakker said that the present state government has done more for the minorities than any other government in the past. Stating that benefits must be provided directly to beneficiaries, he said that he has taken strict action against certain middle men in Raichur and Chikkaballapura. He also stated that the KMDCL under his guidance has attained the number one position in the state and the third position in the country. 

Franklin Monteiro, the member of the Karnataka State Christian’s Development Committee, said that the BJP-led state government has provided Rs. 370 crore for Christian community welfare and Rs. 6 crore for repair, construction, and renovation of churches. 

A total of Rs. 138.32 lakhs through cheques was distributed among 825 beneficiaries and self-help groups under a wide range of schemes.