New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) The Archdiocese of Delhi Friday said it would like to partner with the Delhi and Haryana governments to develop schools that would provide affordable education as access to schools was increasingly going beyond the poor man's reach.

The Archdiocese said that although Catholic schools are supposed to provide quality education at affordable rates, most Catholic schools at present are rather expensive.

'So a joint venture where the government provides us land to establish schools would significantly subsidise the costs,' said Archbishop Vincent Concessao.

'It would be a privilege to partner the Delhi and Haryana governments in extending expertise of the Catholic schools to schools established under a partnership between the Archdiocese and the state governments,' he added.

Concessao was speaking at an event celebrating the Archdiocese's Golden Jubilee Year.

There are around 70 Catholic primary and high schools in the national capital, which are attended by around 85,000 students.

'Recent media report said that five of the top 10 schools in central Delhi are Christian: St. Colomba's, Mount Carmel, Convent of Jesus and Mary, Saint Thomas and Mater Dei,' Concessao said.

In addition to developing the education sector, the Catholic organisation said it would like to help improve the health care services in the region.

Auxiliary Bishop Franco Mulakkal said: 'We would be delighted to set up health infrastructures in association with the Delhi and Haryana governments to subsidise the cost of treatment available in private hospitals.'

'Indian healthcare is largely privatised, thus implying a larger burden on the general public,' he added.

Mulakkal said that Catholic hospitals are known for providing quality medical services.

'Service of humanity is an article of faith,' Mulakkal added.