The governor of the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has directed all higher education universities in the state to establish “dharmantaran roktham cells,” or conversion-prevention cells, to address alleged unlawful religious conversion activities on campuses.

The directive has been issued to all universities, medical colleges, dental colleges, and other higher educational institutions across the state and calls for counseling mechanisms, monitoring systems, reporting protocols, student welfare measures, and preventive safeguards.

The order follows recent investigations and controversies linked to alleged conversion-related cases in educational institutions, particularly in several medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh.

According to media reports, the initiative to set up the cells comes amid growing concerns over reported conversion-related incidents and aligns with the state’s efforts to strengthen vigilance and awareness within higher educational institutions.

The governors of all states in India typically serve as the ex officio “chancellor” of public universities. This role and the authority to issue directives are granted by state legislative acts.

Campus Monitoring
The move to form the cells leverages the draconian Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, making campuses ground zero for preventing non-bailable, forced, or fraudulent conversions.

Universities and colleges are directed to activate anti-radicalization units and enhance physical surveillance in areas such as student hostels to prevent conversion activities.

Institutions have now begun forming cells to host awareness campaigns on the legal frameworks governing religious conversion and individual rights.

They are also required to examine complaints, closely monitor suspicious activities, and submit regular compliance reports to their governing universities.

Vigilance vs. Privacy
While proponents view these cells as necessary protective shields for students against coercion, critics and legal experts caution that overzealous surveillance may infringe upon individual liberties, personal choice, and legitimate social interactions.

Rights advocates said the stated objective of preventing coercion, fraud, or undue influence in matters of religion may be legitimate. Still, the establishment of “anti-conversion cells” in educational institutions raises serious constitutional concerns.

One advocate wrote on social media that the cells could create an atmosphere of suspicion and surveillance that may disproportionately affect religious minorities. The formation of the cells, they said, could exceed the role of educational institutions by assigning them quasi-investigative functions without a clear statutory authority.

Christian leaders are alarmed that these cells could be another way of harassing Christian students involved in conducting prayers and meetings on campuses with the support of para-church organizations working among them.

Political Polarization
The ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government backs the governor’s directive as a vital safety measure for vulnerable students.

In contrast, the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP) has strongly criticized the directive, arguing that it diverts attention from critical educational and infrastructural issues and contributes to communal polarization.

Meanwhile, it is also argued that any policy implemented in educational institutions must uphold the constitutional values of liberty, equality, secularism, dignity, and religious freedom, which form part of the basic structure of India’s constitution.
Sources:persecution

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