TNN

New Delhi, Dec 9: The government on Tuesday told Lok Sabha that in view of the prevailing security scenario, there was continued threat to places of worship in the country.

Replying to a written question, minister of state for home M Ramachandran said security arrangements for places of religious importance were being provided by state governments and UT administrations as law and order was a state subject.

"However, threat inputs being received are promptly shared with the state government and UT administration concerned and advisories are being issued by the central government in order to avoid any untoward incident," he said.

Over 65,000 foreigners overstayed visa period in 2008

Over 65,000 foreign nationals were found to be overstaying in the country during 2008 with the largest number being Bangladeshis and Afghans. The official figures of the number of foreigners overstaying in the last three years shows that there has been a gradual increase every year.

While in 2006, 49,945 foreigners overstayed in India, as per records furnished in the House, in 2007, the number increased to 53,945. This figure rose to 65,149 in 2008. This included 31,229 Bangladesh nationals and 14,511 Afghans.

Over 7,500 Pakistanis overstayed in the country last year while 998 Americans overstayed.

The government said certain instances of some illegal immigrants having obtained ration cards, voter identity cards and driving licences through fraudulent means had been reported.

Integrated security for C'wealth Games venues

An Integrated Security System (ISS) costing Rs 370 crore will be installed at all the competition and training venues of Commonwealth Games, the government said. "The government has approved installation of ISS for all competition, training and non-competition venues for Commonwealth Games next year," M Ramachandran, minister of state for home affairs, said.

The project will be executed through ECIL at a cost of Rs 370 crore which includes a provision of Rs 30 crore for "bandwidth", he informed the Lok Sabha.

An international security liaison group has been constituted by home ministry with representatives from various central security agencies, Delhi Police, defence and external affairs ministries.