E/CN.4/1997/91/Add.1 page 13 cases foreign missionaries have encountered administrative obstacles when seeking Indian entry visas. Finally, examples were quoted of restrictions on transfers of foreign funds destined for Christian institutions in certain States, including the State of Maharashtra. 59. However, these manifestations of intolerance and discrimination based on religion, which find their source in Hindu extremism and its increasing influence on society and the authorities stand in contrast to the generally satisfactory position of Christians (including foreign clergy) with regard to proselytism and religious activities in general. The Special Rapporteur was able to observe that foreign missionaries in India are proselytizing actively and openly. As regards conversions, it should be observed that the majority of cases occurred in the past, some of them entailing changes of religion in exchange for material benefits. 60. In this connection the Special Rapporteur also wishes to describe the situation of the untouchables converted to Christianity. Although there is no general tendency at the present time for Hindu untouchables to convert to Christianity (conversions are by isolated individuals, mainly to escape the iniquitous caste system), an active lobby of converted Dalits is protesting against the withdrawal of State measures benefiting untouchables (reservation of positions in the public education system, reserved jobs in State enterprises as part of a “positive discrimination” programme designed to facilitate the economic and social integration of untouchables) when they convert to a non-Hindu religion; they consider that this practice constitutes an obstacle to conversions. 61. According to the information received, the State appears to be endeavouring to improve the situation of converted untouchables, while paying due regard to the concept of citizenship. The Secretary of the Ministry of Law in Delhi, in particular, has pointed out that the conversion of a Hindu untouchable to another religion gives rise to the loss, not of rights, but of privileges. The National Human Rights Commission explained that the demands of the Christian Dalits were of recent origin inasmuch as previously, by rejected their former status as untouchables, they had declined all State aid. It added that the Government was prepared to meet this demand at a future date and that an appropriate proposal was before Parliament. 62. The Special Rapporteur was also informed of the situation of Christians in Kashmir. In the context of the armed conflict which affects every Indian citizen, regardless of his religion, isolated cases of intolerance on the part of Muslim extremists punishing the very few Muslims who do convert to Christianity did occur; nevertheless, it appears that the Christian minority can carry on its religious activities freely. (b) Religious instruction 63. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the public schools provide education which is secular and non-religious but respectful of religions, particularly in the context of courses on general ethical principles. Minorities can establish their own schools; these include schools