(a) the main functions of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (Sampardayik Sauhard Pratishthan) constituted by Government to look after the children of the victims of communal violence;
(b) the extent to which it has played its role to help the victims of violence in Gujarat; and
(c) the number of such centres opened so far and the number of children being looked after in each centre?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI I.D. SWAMI)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFFRRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 398 FOR 17.12.2002 REGARDING NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNAL HARMONY.
(a) to (c): The main objects of the National Foundation for Communal Harmony are:-
(i) To undertake programmes for providing assistance to the children of families affected by communal, caste, ethnic and any other form of violence/clashes which fracture social harmony;
(ii) To undertake programmes for assisting in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of the children, families or other victims of communal, caste, ethnic and any other form of violence/clashes;
(iii) To promote activities for the promotion of communal harmony and national integration; and
(iv) To promote activities, which will highlight and strengthen the bonds of unity and affinity between different religious and other groups in the country.
The Foundation has helped 385 child victims in Gujarat so far by way of general maintenance and education. The scheme is being implemented through the State Governments. No centres are opened by the Foundation.