Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - The priorities for the future of India are the issues that affect peace, justice, education, religious freedom, respect for minorities: this is what Christian Indians say, considering the next government's five-year plan(the 12th in the history of modern India), prepared by a special "Planning Commission". The plan outlines the general guidelines for the development of the country in social, economic and political field, informing the Government on the progress of national life, in order to guide policy in the long term.
As sources of Fides report in the Indian civil society, a National Commission of Christian leaders, led by the Archbishop of Delhi, Mgr. Vincent Concessao, and composed of leading non-governmental organizations and Christian associations, has examined the plan, pointing out those that, for the Christian communities, are the priorities for the future of the country.
The final text of the work of the Commission, sent to Fides, said: " Development is impossible, and has no meaning, unless the people feel there is peace with justice. The State must therefore reassure Minorities on the Rule of Law by curbing Communalism, prosecuting hate crimes and those guilty of violence", reaffirming the will to approve as soon as possible the Law for the protection of minorities (see Fides 28 / 5 / 2011).
Christians also call for a wide-ranging survey, to be conducted in all states, regarding socio-economic conditions of the Christian communities in India, in order to become aware of the discrimination suffered by Dalit Christians and to assure them "a restoration of their political and human rights right."
In addition, the text continues, "the government should implement Constitutional Provisions, such as the freedom to Practice, Profess and Propagate their Faith", because "various Indian states have been misusing and abusing Christian institutions", especially in the field of education and healthcare.
Since the financial support in these areas is essential, the Christians, remembering the substantial contribution offered to the nation, send the government to set up a "Christian Education Financial Corporation", which should also offer scholarships and interest-free loans for students . Christians, in fact, in defending the right of access to education, are not satisfied with the current system of allocation of scholarships to children of lower classes.
The document sent to Fides highlights the fundamental problem of security (remember the violence against minorities) and the need to promote the development of the population in rural areas, expanding the "National Minorities Development Finance Corporation". Finally, appropriate representation of Christians, especially in civil, military, administrative, and judicial services at the national and provincial levels must be ensured by the government. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 06/14/2011)
