Andhra CM assures marginalized, celebrates Xmas

Christmas has offered a gift of hope for the marginalized in the state of Andhra Pradesh after its chief–minister Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy assured that his government will look at the possibility of restoring grant–in aid for schools run by Churches for Dalits and Backward Classes.

At a tea meet, hosted by the Christian chief–minister, the assurance was rendered to the state's bishops, Christian leaders, ministers, officials and other dignitaries invited.

Reddy said the Christmas message that of being with the poor and oppressed must inspire all to undertake more services to them. The CM assured that he would fully support the services undertaken by Christian community in the state.

The function began with a welcome address of Raymond Peter IAS and opening prayer by Bishop BP Sugandhar, moderator of Church of South India.

Responding the Christmas message delivered by Archbishop M. Joji, who is also the executive vice–president of Andhra Pradesh Federation of Churches (APFC), the chief minister ?promised to explore the possibility of restoring the government grant–in–aid, stopped nine years ago, to the educational institutions run by the churches for Dalits, and the Backward Classes in the rural areas," quoted ICNS.

Further more, the chief minister accepted the option of giving assistance to them through the Minority Welfare Department and also to work for garnering the support of the majority in the Parliament to remove the discrimination suffered by the Christian Dalits, by extending the Scheduled Caste status to them.