E/CN.4/1997/91/Add.1 page 14 providing a general education but in addition offering religious instruction for Christian pupils (subject to parental agreement) and instruction in ethics for non-Christians, and also religious establishments such as seminaries providing religious instruction. 64. The State performs a supervisory function to ensure that curricula and teaching materials are not used to impart anti-constitutional principles of intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. 65. According to the information received, no difficulties affecting the religious instruction of the Christian minority have arisen. It appears, however, that Hindu extremists occasionally attempt to stir up trouble within Christian institutions. (c) Religious publications 66. Both the religious and lay representatives of Christians emphasized their complete freedom regarding the production and dissemination of religious publications (including the Bible). (d) Places of worship 67. The situation of Christians with regard to places of worship seems generally favourable. Isolated cases of obstacles to the construction of places of worship, in the form of excessively slow administrative approval procedures have, however, been observed, particularly in the State of Maharashtra. The authorities drew attention to the principle of freedom to construct places of worship and the fact that States must refrain from abusive interference with such construction. They also recognized that there had been delays in the issue of building permits. However, it was explained that the problem was of a purely bureaucratic nature and that all communities had been affected. Apart from these difficulties which had been reported in some States, it appeared that the Christian minority had an adequate number of places of worship. 2. Other areas 68. Generally speaking, the Christian minority appears to be well integrated into Indian society, particularly from the standpoint of the education of its members, which is clear from the large number of Christian schools of a high standard that are open to all religious communities. 69. Mention must, however, be made of the activities of the extremist Hindu parties, which are attempting to undermine the communal and religious harmony which exists in India by the political exploitation of religion. Occasionally the militantism of these extremists significantly (although marginally) affects the situation of Christians in the religious field and within society in general. The Special Rapporteur was informed of isolated cases of murders of and attacks on members of religious orders, including nuns in Bihar and Kerala.