FKCA Submits Memorandum to CM Dharam Singh
Bangalore, June 15, 2005: Members Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations (FKCA) of Karnataka met the chief minister Dharam Singh at his home office " Krishna" on June 15 evening. Chairman Valerian Fernandes led the delegation and submitted the memorandum highlighting the grievances of the community. The following points were placed before him for consideration.
1) Inclusion of Konkani in the Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadiga's quota for reservation in the CET ( common entrance test ) for the Engineering, Medical, Dental and other professional courses. This facility is extended to Kannadigas whose mother tongue is Tulu and Kodava apart from Kannada.
Responding to this demand, the chief minister assured that this will be included in the next academic year as this year results of the CET are out. Concerned department's principal secretary was also present during the meeting. This facility will help the children of many Konkani-speaking Kannadigas at present residing outside Karnataka. This will also help non-Christians like Kharvis, Navayats, Kudumbis etc whose mother tongue is also Konkani.
2) In the Minorities Development Commission and Board (established in the year 1983 and 1986 respectively) since inception, the chairmanship has invariably gone to the Muslim community. Fernandes demanded that chairmanship should be given to other minority communities like Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains on a rotation basis. Christians being the second largest community among minorities after Muslims certainly deserve the chairmanship in the board and the Commission during the next term.
Chief Minister assured the Federation to look into this demand during the appointment of various boards and the Commissions.
3) The Federation also demanded a Christian representation in the state cabinet, particularly in choosing a suitable candidate from the coastal and Malnad regions, which do not have a representation in the state Cabinet.
General secretary Charles Gomes, vice chairman Anil Rego, joint secretaries Nerry D'Silva , Elias Shenoy, Treasurer Antony Gonsalves and also presidents of all the member associations were there as a part of the delegation.
The Federation of Konkani Catholic Associations of Karnataka is in its 7th year of existence and comprises 10 Konkani Catholic associations in Bangalore alone with Konkani Catholic association of Mysore and other cities have already affiliated or are in a processes of affiliation.
