The Department of National Integration was formed in 1968 as per the recommendation made by the Standing Committee of the National Integration Council in its first meeting held in Delhi on 26 November 1968. The schemes of the Department of National Integration are long term and continuous efforts. The schemes/programmes of the department awaken the spirit of national unity, communal harmony and social harmony in the minds of the people. The important schemes of the department are organised once a year on their fixed dates or various programmes are organised as per the decisions taken by the government from time to time. At present the following schemes/programmes are being run under the Department of National Integration: