up-governor-directs-colleges-to-set-up-anti-conversion-cells

Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor of state universities Anandiben Patel has directed all medical, dental and other higher educational institutions in the state to establish dedicated cells to prevent alleged religious conversions through inducement, coercion or mental pressure, officials said on Thursday.

 

The directive comes in the wake of reports of alleged conversion-related incidents linked to King George's Medical University (KGMU) and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow.

 

Following the Governor's instructions, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University on June 6 asked all affiliated colleges to implement the measures on priority and submit compliance reports.

 

According to a letter issued by the Governor's Secretariat on May 28, educational institutions have been asked to ensure a safe, secular and academically conducive environment while remaining vigilant against activities that may disrupt campus harmony.

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The communication emphasised that universities and colleges are not merely centres of learning and innovation but also play a crucial role in the moral, intellectual and social development of students. It stressed that campuses should remain spaces of academic excellence, intellectual freedom and social harmony.

 

The Governor's office instructed institutions to activate anti-radicalisation or student welfare cells, strengthen counselling mechanisms and increase vigilance in hostels and other sensitive areas. Colleges have also been directed to prevent the entry of unauthorised outsiders into campuses.

 

The letter stated that any attempt to influence students through fear, mental pressure or unethical inducements for illegal or forced religious conversion is unacceptable and contrary to the law.

 

Institutions have further been asked to conduct awareness programmes for students and staff and to immediately inform the police and local administration if any suspicious activity is detected.

 

Officials said the measures are aimed at ensuring a secure academic atmosphere and preventing activities that could adversely affect students or disrupt campus life.

 

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University has instructed all affiliated institutions to take prompt action on the directives and furnish reports on compliance.