AP Govt to hike aid for Jerusalem pilgrimage

Vijayawada: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced that the State government would increase the financial aid to the Christians for the Jerusalem pilgrimage from Rs 40,000 to Rs 75,000. 

He also announced Rs 1.5 crore financial aid to the CSI St Pauls Basilica Church known as CSI Church located near the State Guest House. Stating that the church is very beautiful, he announced that the government would extend support for completion of works.

Chandrababu Naidu joyfully participated in the Christmas celebrations on Tuesday at the CSI Church. He recited some verses and took part in the cake cutting function.

He announced that the State government would increase the financial assistance from Rs 40,000 to Rs 75,000 to the Christians proceeding to Jerusalem pilgrimage. He said a large number of Christians go to Jerusalem to see the birth place of Jesus Christ. 

He praised the services of Christian missionaries in the fields of education and health. He said many popular persons in Krishna and Guntur districts have studied in the educational institutions run by missionaries. He recalled that TDP founder N T Rama Rao studied in Andhra Christian College in Guntur.

Stating that the Christians in Andhra Pradesh were facing many problems due to lack of burial grounds, Chandrababu Naidu said the government would allocate Rs 100 crore to purchase the lands for construction of burial grounds.

He said the TDP government is working with an objective to alleviate poverty.  He said people can find answers to all questions in the Holy Bible. He said he was delighted to participate in the Christmas celebrations in CSI Church in Vijayawada. He said devotees get energy by participating in prayers. He recited some verses of the Bible on the occasion. 

He said Sir Arthur Cotton had done great service to the people of Delta region by constructing the Dowlaiswaram Anicut on River Godavari. He recalled the services of Mother Theresa to the nation. He announced Christian Bhavan will be built in Guntur at a cost of Rs 10 crore. Naidu pointed out that the State government had allotted funds for the upliftment of Christians.

He said the government would extend help to Dalit Christians till the Dalit Christians get the rights on par with other Dalits in the country. 
Bishop George Cornelious and Jashua Kumari led the prayers on the occasion.