Chapter: Gist of Press Information Bureau Articles

Topic: Communal Harmony

Q. National Integration Council (NIC)?

The National Integration Council (NIC) was established in 1960s; comprising of prominent members of various sections of society, besides several union ministers and chief ministers of states, has been meeting regularly, to discuss and sort out the issues of discord. Since the decision makers at the Centre and the States are members of the council, a patient hearing is given to the grievances of various sections of society.

Q. National Foundation for Communal Harmony?

National Foundation for Communal Harmony constituted in 1992. The vision of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) is to have India free from communal and all other forms of violence, where all citizens especially children & youth live together in peace & harmony.

It provides financial assistance to the child victims of societal violence for their care, education & training, aimed at their effective rehabilitation. It promotes communal harmony and national integration by organizing variety of activities either independently or in association with State Governments, NGOs & other organizations. It confers awards for outstanding contribution to promotion of communal harmony and national integration.

It undertakes activities to highlight and strengthen the bonds of unity and affinity between different religious groups in the country, and encourages activities to promote belief in the principles of non-violence in resolving disputes.

Q. Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991?

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991, is the law to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947.

According to it, no religious institution or manager thereof shall use or allow the use of any premises belonging to the institution for the promotion or propagation of any political activity or for the harbouring of any person accused or convicted of an offence under any law for the time being in force.

No arms or ammunition can be stored, nor can it erect or put up any construction or fortification, including basements, bunkers, towers or walls without a valid licence or permission. Such premises can’t be used for the carrying on of any unlawful or subversive act prohibited under any law, or for the doing of any act which promotes or attempts to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill- will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.

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