Uttar Pradesh orders universities to set up anti-conversion cells

Millat Times Desk

12 June 2026 (Publish: 10:10 AM IST)

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The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all state universities and higher educational institutions to establish anti-conversion cells and strengthen monitoring and counselling mechanisms following concerns about alleged attempts to influence students to change their religion, local media reported.

A communication issued on May 28 from the office of Governor Anandiben Patel instructed vice chancellors, directors and heads of state-run universities, colleges and medical institutions to set up “Dharmantaran Roktham Cells” and enhance student welfare, reporting and oversight systems, according to the Hindustan Times.

The directive cited allegations that some students were being subjected to inducement, psychological pressure or other unethical practices aimed at religious conversion.

The move follows investigations over the past two years into allegations linked to Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University, where authorities examined claims of an organised network allegedly targeting students for religious conversion.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has backed the decision, saying the measures are intended to protect students from coercion and ensure a safe educational environment.

Opposition leaders, however, criticised the directive, accusing the government of attempting to deepen social divisions. Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abbas Haider said the administration should focus on improving educational and medical infrastructure rather than creating new monitoring bodies.

Uttar Pradesh has some of India’s most stringent laws governing religious conversion. In 2024, the state legislature passed amendments to the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion law, expanding who can file complaints, increasing penalties for offences and tightening bail provisions.

Authorities have not announced a timeline for implementing the anti-conversion cells, and no official data was provided on the number of institutions that would be covered by the directive.