Set up Conversion Prevention Cells, UP governor tells medical and dental universities

UP Governor Urges Medical Colleges to Establish Conversion Prevention Cells

Set up Conversion Prevention Cells UP governor - In a significant move to address rising concerns over religious conversions, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Governor, Anandiben Patel, has directed all state medical and dental universities to set up **Conversion Prevention Cells**. The directive comes in response to a recent incident involving a resident doctor at the King George's Medical University (KGMU) and the mysterious disappearance of an SGPGI employee's daughter, highlighting the need for proactive measures to prevent such occurrences. The governor’s call aims to ensure that educational institutions are equipped to monitor and address conversion-related activities, particularly those involving students and staff.

Directive and Institutional Response

Following the governor’s instructions, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University has issued guidelines to its affiliated colleges. Dr Sudhir M Bobde, the governor’s special officer on duty, drafted a letter emphasizing the urgency of creating **Conversion Prevention Cells**. Under the leadership of vice-chancellor Amit Devgan, the university registrar conveyed the mandate to colleges, urging them to form specialized teams dedicated to identifying and mitigating potential conversion incidents. This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to addressing social issues within academic settings.

The **Conversion Prevention Cells** are designed to serve as watchdogs, focusing on educating stakeholders about religious conversion dynamics. These cells will monitor student behavior, faculty activities, and administrative processes to detect any anomalies. By implementing these measures, institutions can take early action to prevent conversions, particularly those that may involve coercion or misinformation. The plan also includes launching awareness programs to familiarize staff and students with relevant regulations and their roles in safeguarding individuals from conversion pressures.

Legal Framework and Institutional Compliance

Prof KK Singh, the university’s spokesperson, highlighted that the institution already operates an Anti-Conversion Cell, which will now align with the governor’s broader framework. He stated, "We are committed to fully adhering to the governor’s directive and enhancing our existing mechanisms to ensure comprehensive coverage." The directive not only requires the establishment of **Conversion Prevention Cells** but also mandates regular reporting to the state government, ensuring transparency and accountability across all universities. This step is part of a growing national trend to address religious conversions, with similar measures being adopted in other states.

The initiative has prompted medical and dental universities to take swift action. Affiliated colleges are now tasked with forming these cells promptly and submitting proof of compliance. The focus is on creating a robust system that can swiftly respond to any conversion-related complaints. This includes training faculty and staff to recognize and report suspicious activities, as well as implementing strict protocols for handling cases involving minors or vulnerable individuals. The governor’s emphasis on timely action reflects the urgency of the situation and the need for institutional vigilance.

Recent events in Lucknow have intensified the debate on religious conversions, prompting discussions on how to protect individuals from forced change. A prominent case involved a 21-year-old woman who disappeared after being allegedly abducted by a friend for conversion. Police confirmed the incident, stating that the search was ongoing, and the father filed an FIR under Section 87 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with kidnapping to compel marriage. This incident has raised awareness about the potential risks associated with religious conversions and has served as a catalyst for the governor’s directive.

Broader Implications and Public Awareness

While the **Conversion Prevention Cells** are primarily aimed at preventing conversions, they also seek to foster a culture of awareness and inclusivity. Institutions are encouraged to educate students and staff on the legal and social aspects of conversion, ensuring that they understand the rights and responsibilities involved. This proactive approach is expected to reduce incidents of coercion and misinformation, particularly in academic environments where students may be more susceptible to influence.

Experts suggest that the establishment of these cells could lead to a more systematic handling of conversion cases. By integrating monitoring and reporting mechanisms, the initiative aims to address the root causes of conversions, such as socio-economic pressures or ideological influence. The governor’s directive is a step towards institutionalizing these efforts, ensuring that educational institutions remain vigilant in protecting their students and staff from potential conversion-related threats.