The Hindu : Front Page : First batch leaves for Jerusalem

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Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008
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First batch leaves for Jerusalem

Special Correspondent

— Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Dream trip: Chief Minister with the first batch of 51 pilgrims to Jerusalem in Hyderabad on Monday.

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has said that the plan of the State government to extend subsidised tour for Christians to Jerusalem next year would depend on this year’s experience.

A thousand pilgrims would be sent to the holy place this year for which the government had allotted Rs. two crore towards subsidy component, Dr. Reddy said at a function here on Monday to mark the departure of the first batch of 51 pilgrims.

Of the Rs. 56,000 required for the trip, he said each individual would have to bear Rs. 36,000 while the government would meet the remaining cost as subsidy. The government had decided to promote the programme as it recognised the right of people to freedom of religion. He hoped the pilgrims would return from Jerusalem with the blessings of Christ.

Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir said the government put into action the Chief Minister’s promise to subsidise tours to Jerusalem in less than a year. Dr. Reddy had given the promise on December 21 last year. He also kept his promise to set up a minorities finance corporation exclusively for Christians.

Archbishop of Hyderabad Marampudi Joji said the Christians had been requesting the government to sponsor their visit to Jerusalem for the last ten years. Their wish was fulfilled only now. He recalled that the Chief Minister took up several reformist measures only after visiting Jerusalem after assuming office.

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