HYDERABAD: Today was a red letter day for the Christian community in Andhra Pradesh. The State Government has announced, for the first time ever, a subsidy for Christian pilgrims who wish to visit the holy land of Jerusalem. The Andhra Pradesh Minorities Welfare Department launched the programme today at a function at the Jubilee hall in Public Gardens.
The Government has sanctioned a budget of Rs 2 crore towards the scheme.The first batch of 50 pilgrims will leave for Israel tomorrow. The amount of subsidy per pilgrim is Rs 20,000 out of a total expense of Rs 56,000 per person for food, transport and accommodation.
The balance amount of Rs 36,000 will be borne individually.
The places covered are Bethlehem where jesus Christ was born, Nazareth where he grew up, the Jordan river where he was baptised, Dead Sea and Sea of Galilee where he preached, Jerusalem where he was crucified and resurrected. The function was attended by Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy, Minister for Minorities WelfareMohammed Ali Shabbir, Secunderabad MP M Anjan Kumar Yadav and several others. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, who was the Chief Guest, wished the pilgrims a safe journey and said that he wished to send a contingent of 1000 pilgrims.
Several leaders from the Christian community, including Rev M Joji and Bishop Sugandhar of the Church of South India showered praise on the Chief Minister for starting the scheme to benefit poor Christian pilgrims and for establishing the Christian Finance Corporation.