Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 27: In a robust effort to empower the community through state-sponsored benefits, the Mangalore Diocesan Commission for Social Development (CODP), in collaboration with the Karnataka Christian Development Corporation (KCDC), held a comprehensive awareness and grievance redressal programme on November 24, at the Pastoral Institute, Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi.

The event witnessed the participation of key political and community leaders, signaling a renewed focus on ensuring that government funds reach the intended beneficiaries in the Christian community.

The programme was presided over by Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore. A distinguished panel of dignitaries from the government and community sectors graced the occasion including Shalet Pinto, chairperson, Karnataka Ecotourism Development Board (Government of Karnataka), Stany Alvares, president, Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy, Naveen D'Souza, corporator, Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), Harsha Lasrado and Jathanna, members, Karnataka Christian Development Corporation (KCDC), and Santhosh D'Souza, president, Catholic Sabha.

Bishop’s call to action

In his presidential address, bishop Peter Paul Saldanha emphasized that awareness is the first step toward empowerment. He urged the community to shed hesitancy and actively claim the rights and benefits provided by the state, noting that these schemes are designed to foster self-reliance and dignity.

Comprehensive study of KCDC schemes

Officials presented a detailed "study" of the corporation's projects, utilizing newly released informational posters to explain the specific financial benefits available. The programme highlighted the following key schemes:

1. Education & skill development

* 'Arivu' (education loan) scheme: Financial assistance ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5.00 lac per year for students pursuing professional courses.

* Overseas education loan scheme: A significant support system offering an interest-free loan facility up to Rs 20.00 lac for each student aspiring to study abroad.

* Community-Based skill development training scheme: Various training programmes for unemployed Christian youth (men and women) to help them secure self-employment or jobs in offices/factories.

2. Economic independence & self-employment

* Swavalambi Sarathi scheme: Designed for independent drivers, this scheme offers a subsidy of up to Rs 3.00 lac for the purchase of vehicles (taxis, goods carriers, autos).

* Shrama Shakthi scheme: A loan facility of Rs 50,000 at a low interest rate with a 50% subsidy for general beneficiaries.

* Shrama Shakthi (special women) scheme: A dedicated scheme for women providing total financial assistance of Rs 50,000 (comprising a Rs 25,000 loan and a Rs 25,000 subsidy).

* Vruthi Prothsaha (vocational promotion) scheme: A loan facility of Rs 1.00 lakh with a 50% subsidy to encourage vocational trades.

* Business enterprise / direct loan scheme: For larger ventures, a loan facility of up to Rs 20.00 lakh is available against property mortgage.

* Subsidy scheme for Christian women self-help groups: Offers 50% of the unit cost or a maximum of Rs 2.00 lakh subsidy to registered SHGs.

3. Agriculture & infrastructure

* Ganga Kalyana scheme: A major boon for farmers, offering a subsidy of Rs 3.00 lac to Rs 4.00 lac for borewell drilling to ensure irrigation.

* Grants for projects of the Christian Community: Financial assistance is provided for the repair and renovation of churches, community halls, construction of compound walls for cemeteries, as well as for orphanages, old-age homes, and shelters run by Christian voluntary organizations (NGOs).

Interactive session & clarifications

Following the presentation, the floor was opened for a spirited discussion. Participants directed queries to the KCDC members regarding application hurdles.

Specific clarifications were sought on:

* Documentation: Simplifying the requirements for loans against property mortgages.

* Timelines: Reducing the processing time for subsidies like the Swavalambi Sarathi.

* Eligibility: Clarifying the criteria for the NGO grants and church renovation funds.

The officials provided on-the-spot answers, assuring the gathering that the new processes are designed to minimize bureaucratic delays.

The programme concluded with a commitment from the Catholic Sabha and CODP to set up help desks in parishes to assist applicants with these forms.