to the reply given to USQ No.535 on December 2, 1998 and state:
(a) Whether the information in this regard has since been collected;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor and the time by which it is likely to be collected ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI I.D. SWAMI)
(a): Yes, sir.
(b): It was under the 2nd point of the 16-point agreement that it was indicated that Nagaland would be under the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India. During the discussions it was indicated that it was not possible to include any specific provision to that effect in the Constitution.
Article 77 of the Constitution gives powers to the President to make rules for the conduct of business of the Government of India and, in exercise of those powers, the affairs concerning Nagaland were subsequently ordered to be dealt with by the Ministry of Home Afairs.
The rights of the people of Nagaland are equally, if not better, protected under the Ministry of Home Affairs and there is no proposal to transfer the subject back to the Ministry of External Affairs. The people of Nagaland have been provided constitutional safeguards under Article 371(A) of the Constitution as envisaged under the 16-Point Agreement. Nagaland is also treated as a special category State. All provisions of 16-Point Agreement have been fulfilled.
(c ): Does not arise.