Christians never reaped fruits of welfare schemes: Stephenson

Hyderabad: Nominated MLA Elvis Stephenson on Monday said that Christians never reaped the fruits of welfare programmes and there was no one to discuss the problems being faced by the Christian minorities in the State.

Taking part in the discussion on the demands in the Assembly, nominated MLA Stephenson said that the Christian minorities had many issues as they don't get white ration cards, they have problems with MROs for caste certificate and with great difficulty they get income certificates.

"Fortunately or unfortunately, Christians never reaped the fruits of welfare programmes. Whenever government calls a meeting of minorities, 95 per cent of them will be pastors. They want either Church or burial grounds.

There is no one to discuss the problems being faced by the Christians," said Stephenson.

However, the MLA praised the government also. He said that a nominated MLA speaking on demands was a history. He said that Telangana was the only State to celebrate Christmas in a grand manner where government distributes clothes.

The Christian students get overseas scholarships and other wonderful programmes.

He also raised the Christian missionaries' schools stating that these schools do not give opportunities to the Christian students.

"Though these are missionary schools, the Christian students don't get seats for free and whatever is left is given to us.

The schools refuse to hold meeting even after request from the MLA. The State government should take serious note of this," said Stephenson.