In 47 years, NIC met only 13 times

NEW DELHI: Set up 47 years ago, National Integration Council has held only 13 meetings, prompting demands on Monday that it should meet at least once a year.
     
The Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, consists of 14 Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all the states, leaders of national and regional political parties, heads of national commissions, senior editors, business leaders and other eminent public figures like former Prime Ministers, all adding up to 146 members.
     
When the NIC met here on Monday, CPI leader A B Bardhan said it was regrettable that such an important body had met only 13 times. "We should have woken up earlier and meetings should be held at least once a year."
     
Eminent jurist Fali S Nariman said that ideally the Council should be convened every six months.