Andhra Pradesh to create separate welfare division for Christians

Andhra Pradesh government has announced a separate division for the welfare of the Christian community in the state.

The decision to create the wing, headed by a senior official of the rank of principal secretary was taken Friday at a high–level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, a Protestant Christian.

An exclusive finance corporation headed by a managing director will also be set up for the Christians.

All India Christian Council, AP chapter, on Saturday welcomed the decision of the state government to create a separate department for the welfare of Christians.

In a statement here the state Christian Council President G Samuel said the decision would help to focus on the issues faced by the community.

The decision to constitute a separate finance corporation would ensure equitable distribution of Rs 127 crore allocated for the welfare of the minorities in the state, he said.

The Chief Minister has also promised to separate funds for arranging mass marriages for Christian and Muslim minorities.

Poor couples will be paid Rs 15,000 towards marriage expenses, it was decided.

Recently, the government had announced a subsidy scheme for Christian pilgrims who want to go to Israel.

Under the scheme, made on the lines of central government’s subsidy for the Haj pilgrimage, the government has allotted Rs.20 million for the current financial year.

Andhra Pradesh has over 1.2 million Christians, 20 million Hindus and 7 million Muslims.