-The Telegraph
Rural development minister Jairam Ramesh today asked social organisations run by the Catholic Church to help the government carry out development programmes in Maoist-hit tribal areas but cautioned them against “religious mobilisation”.
At an event held by Caritas India, Ramesh asked the Catholic organisation to help break down the “trust deficit” between the government and the tribal communities. But he added that Caritas should observe a certain “Lakshman rekha”.
“I expect Caritas to respect the sentiment of not getting involved in religious mobilisation,” the minister said.
He cited the example of the Ramakrishna Mission’s development activities in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.
“Let us work towards a partnership. And just like the Ramakrishna Mission… I think you have a very important role to play.”