On National Integration

National Integration Council of this Ministry deals with proposals received from various voluntary organisations/institutions for sanctioning grants-in-aid for holding various activities in furtherance of the cause of national integration ... Rs.4,96,000/- was released as grants-in-aid during the year 1997-98 to 12 organisations in the States ... Instructions were issued to all the State Governments/UTs for celebration of "Sankalp Divas" (and) "Quami Ekta Week"

The Division also deal with the requests for the inclusion of languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. A Committee has been set-up to evolve the criteria for inclusion or otherwise of languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution. The Committee has submitted its report recommending that a high powered body may be set-up to examine the points considered by the Committee in greater depth.

The Division also handles matters relating to the reconstitution of the National Integration Council (NIC) and its Committees and convening of meetings of NIC.

The Communal Harmony Cell under the National Integration Division works towards devising a multi- pronged approach to the deep-seated problem of communalism to suggest measures relating to communal harmony. The Communal Harmony Guidelines were  originally prepared in 1990 and ... revised in 1997 ... Keeping in view the changed scenario ... changes were incorporated ... to make them more relevant and effective. The revised guidelines have been sent to all States/UTs on 22.11.1997.

The Ministry is also monitoring action on some of the points of the 15-Point Programme by all States and Union Territories, namely, in respect of points 1 to 5 and 7 to 9.

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) held meetings of the Governing Council and Executive Council during the year ... Minorities Cell has been created w.e.f. 21st November 1996 under National Integration Division to look after the problems and grievances relating to law and order and security aspects of minority communities in the country ... Regular quarterly meetings are held with the concerned agencies to review the overall communal situation in the country ...

On Illegal Immigrants

There is a proposal to compulsorily register all citizens/non-citizens of and above 14 years of age residing in the country and issue Multipurpose National Identity Cards. The details in this regard are being worked out ...                                                                                                                                                        (Source: LSUQ No. 3951/14.7.1998 by L. Panabaka)

On Foreigners

. From Ist April 1997 to 31st March 1998, 326 foreigners were granted Indian Citizenship under Section 5(1)(a) and 56 foreigners under section 5(1)(d) of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. 125 foreigners married to Indian nationals were granted Indian Citizenship under section 5(1)(c) of the Act during the said period. 24 foreigners were naturalised as Indian Citizens under section 6(1) and National Status of 49 persons were determined under section 9(2) of the Indian Citizenship Act.

During the year 1997-98, 766 associations were registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976. Prior permission for acceptance of foreign contribution during the year was granted in 514 cases. Applications of 1230 persons seeking prior permission for acceptance of foreign hospitality were disposed of during the period.

On Assam Population, 1971-1991

The number of minorities including Buddhists, Christians, Muslims as well as Hindus population as per 1971 and 1991 Censuses alongwith percentage variation between 1971-1991 for Assam are given below:

(Source: LSUQ No. 1900 dated 9 June, 1998 by M.H. Gavit)

On Growth of Manpower and Expenditure of CPO

Growth of Manpower:

Expenditure (Rs. in lakhs):