150 community centres built in state since 2011: KCDC chief

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Chairman of the Karnataka Christian Development Committee (KCDC) J Kennedy Shantha Kumar said that around 150 new community centres have been constructed in the state since 2011, so that the weaker sections of the Christian community can organise marriages and other auspicious ceremonies.

Speaking at a press conference held in Tumakuru on Tuesday, Kennedy said that 150 Bhavans have been constructed in the state, including 85 in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region. He said that for the construction of the community buildings, Rs 1 crore has been spent in urban areas by fixing low monthly rents for the poor people of the Christian community. A grant of Rs 50 lakh has been spent similarly in the rural areas, he said.

The Christian Development Committee was formed in 2011 and a grant of Rs 50 crore was available. At present, a maximum annual grant of Rs 15 lakh is being provided for the maintenance of these buildings. He informed that more than 45 orphanages and over 50 old age homes in the state are getting this facility.

"In order to prevent the encroachment of the cemetery lands under the control of the Christian organisations, Rs 40 lakh has been sanctioned for the construction of compound walls. Grants have also been provided for the construction of compound walls around churches," he added.

Further, Kennedy added that students belonging to the Christian community who want to study in 500 universities already recognised by the government for foreign studies will be given a scholarship facility of Rs 20 lakh each.