Construction of Border Roads/Border Fence With a view to prevent infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into India and in pursuance of the Assam Accord, a project for the construction of roads and fences along the Indo-Bangaldesh border in the States of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal was taken up in 1987. Till 30th September, 1996, 1658.35 kms of roads and 629.78 kms. of fences have been completed out of the approved target of 2,784 kms of roads and 896 kms of fences and an expenditure of Rs. 58 .. 10 crores has been incurred on this project. The | progress of the Project is periodically reviewed by a High Level Empowered Committee under the Chairmanship of the Union Home Secretary.

Foreigners

According to the reports received from various Missions abroad during the year 1995, 9,99,551 foreigners were granted visas (including 25,125 long term visas) to visit India as against 9,69,369 (including 25,080 long term visas) during the preceding year. According to reports furnished by various State Governments/UT Administrations, 2,04,463 (excluding Pak nationals) stood registered in India as on 31.12.1995 under the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, as against 1,21,923 as on 31.12.1994.

During the period from 1.4.1996 to 31.10.1996, 800 associations were registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 as against 1,297 during 1995-96. Prior permission for acceptance of foreign contribution during the period from 1.4.1996 to 31.10.1996 was granted in 215 cases as against 600 cases during 1995-96. Applications of 862 persons seeking prior permission for acceptance of foreign hospitality were disposed of during the period 1.4.1996 to 31.10.1996 as compared to 1,000 cases during 1995-96.