Date:12/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071260231100.htm

Andhra Pradesh

YSR favours SC status for Dalit Christians

Special Correspondent

KADAPA: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has sent favourable proposals to the Supreme Court to extend Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians, A.P. Pastors and Christian Leaders Forum leaders said on Friday.

The Chief Minister also agreed to constitute a special minority cell for Christians in the State and extend concessional power tariff to churches, forum’s Chief Advisors Rt. Rev. K. B. Yesu Varaprasad, Bishop of CSI Rayalaseema Diocese, Most Rev. Gallela Prasad, Bishop of RCM, Advisor M.K. Venugopal, Regional Coordinator Palakoti, District Coordinator K. Rajarathnam Isaac and Joint Coordinator P.F.J. Manoranjan said at a press conference.

Dr. Reddy also announced concessions for Erushapalem, a Christian pilgrim centreThe Chief Minister would participate in a meeting of about 700 Christian leaders at Hyderabad on July 30.