'Massihi Bhawans' for Christian community: Badal

Punjab government will construct 'Massihi Bhawans' for the Christian community at the sub-division level, state Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said today.
Addressing a gathering here today, Badal said these 'Bhawans' would act as a catalyst for the all round development of the Christian community.
According to Badal, it was a matter of great pride and honour for them as the SAD-BJP alliance had initiated the construction of these bhawans at district level and now it would be extended to sub-division level.
He further said that the state government was committed to make all efforts to provide suitable land for burial purposes required by the Christian community across the state.

He said necessary directions have been already given to the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to find suitable land for this purpose.
A large number of pro-poor schemes has been initiated by the state government for the welfare of the community, he said, adding, the 'Shagun' scheme has been extended to girls of the community.

Badal also said that the SAD-BJP government was giving scholarship to the students of the community to pursue school or college education.
Drawing a parallel between Christian and Sikh communities, the Chief Minister said both have a rich tradition of fighting against tyranny, oppression and injustice.

Terming the SAD-BJP alliance government as the most secular one in the country, Badal said his government has taken path breaking initiatives for the welfare of each and every strata of society.
Citing an example, he said Punjab was probably the only state in country where a state level function was held to celebrate Christmas.
Earlier in his address, Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia lauded the role played Christian community in the development of the country and state.
Expressing concern over recent incidents of 'conversion' in some parts of the country, Majithia assured the Christian community that this may happen anywhere in India but would never be allowed in Punjab.