Mangaluru: Noticing that the funds released for the Christians are going under utilised, MLC Ivan D’Souza has suggested that a Christian Development Academy has become a need of the hour.

In a news conference on Monday, D’Souza said that last year a grant of Rs 40 cr was released for the development of the Christian community out of which only Rs 26.13 cr has been utilised. The number of beneficiaries under various programmes stands at a mere 13793.

“In 2016-2017 budget a sum of Rs 125 cr has been set aside for renovation of churches, for education purpose, to build community hall and for other purposes. To educate people about all these facilities formation of Christian Development Academy is must,” he added.

He further said that there should an office of this academy in every talluk so the people can easily fetch benefits.

Mayor Harinath, DK interim Congress president Ibrahim Kodijal, former mayor Shashidhar Hegde and Ashraf were present.