Lucknow, June 11: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel issued a directive requiring all higher educational institutions across the state, including medical and dental colleges, to set up dedicated anti-conversion cells. The mandate focuses on preventing instances of religious conversion attempted through coercion, mental pressure, or inducement. Local officials confirmed the order on Thursday, noting that the new cells will work alongside increased campus vigilance and expanded counseling services.
The executive action follows recent reports of alleged conversion activities tied to two major Lucknow institutions, King George’s Medical University and the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences. In response to the chancellor’s instructions, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University issued a notice on June 6 instructing its affiliated colleges to implement these security measures immediately and submit formal compliance reports.
According to the official communication sent from the Governor’s Secretariat on May 28, colleges must maintain a safe, secular environment while actively monitoring for any activities that could threaten campus peace. The administration noted that higher education hubs bear a responsibility for the moral and social development of their student bodies, meaning campuses must remain dedicated to academic excellence and social harmony.
The state directive explicitly bans unauthorized outsiders from entering campus grounds and orders stricter monitoring of student hostels. Under the new guidelines, universities must run awareness campaigns for both staff and students, with instructions to loop in law enforcement immediately if any suspicious behavior occurs.
The Governor’s Secretariat stated that any attempt to influence students through fear, psychological pressure, or unethical means for illegal conversions stands contrary to the law.
