A variety of measures
are being taken in a sustained manner by the Central Government
to assist the States in the maintenance of peace and communal
harmony. These measures include sending alert messages and advisories,
sharing of intelligence, providing Central Para Military Forces
on specific request and assistance in the modernization of Police
forces. Detailed Guidelines to promote Communal harmony have
also been issued to all the States/Union Territories.
The Minister
of State for Home, Shri Harin Pathak told the Rajya Sabha in
a written reply that 671 communal incidents were reported from
different parts of the country during 2002. He said besides
administrative measures, the Government has been taking promotional
efforts like observance of the Annual Quami Ekta Week, conferment
of Awards like Communal Harmony Awards and Kabir Puraskar and
allotment of grants to Non-Governmental Organisations who are
engaged in various programmes for the promotion of communal
harmony in the country. The National Foundation for Communal
harmony, an autonomous organization under the Union Home Ministry
is also engaged in various programmes for the promotion of Communal
Harmony.
