Bangalore: A delegation of Christian leaders led by Ronald Colaco, Chairman of International Federation on Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA), which met Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda at Bangalore recently has requested the government to set up a Christian Development Board at the earliest, on the models of the Minority Development Board. A memorandum was also submitted in this regard to the Chief Minister on the occasion.

The delegation also pointed out to the CM that the Christian Development Council which is functioning at present had no powers  as its members have no authority other than the CM who is its Chairman. Moreover the CDC meeting has been convened only once during the past 15 month period, they pointed out.

During the interaction with the CM, the delegation drew the CM to its earlier demands for an increased budgetary allocation for Christian welfare schemes from the present Rs 50 crores to Rs 100 crores. Replying to this demand, the CM has said steps have been taken in some respects in this direction. The CM has also assured to hold a meeting of all CDC members on June 15.

Others in the delegation were CDC members Gladys Almeida, Antony Mendonca from Udupi, Jerardin D’Souza from Mangalore, Edwin and Joachim Serrao and Yesudas.