Hi mvs sarma and 3v0,
from my understanding I think both of you are right. Programming doesn't only mean writing a program into a micro processor. It also means to wire logic for the intended application, which I think is some kind of programming too.
It would be ridiculous to waste two input pins of a micro processor just for one desired function and use another one instead and connect the sensors, switches or whatever to a logic gate and save one valuable input port pin.
I also think that chip has some advantages over those with just one function, e.g. during experiments you change your mind to use a NOR gate instead of an OR gate. Simply change wires and you're done.
Boncuk