Uttar Pradesh Universities Directed to Set Up ‘Anti-Conversion Cells’ Amid Concerns Over Alleged Religious Influence on Students

Lucknow, June 12, 2026 : Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has directed all universities and higher educational institutions in the state, including medical and dental colleges, to establish “anti-conversion cells” to address alleged concerns related to religious conversion attempts on campuses.

The directive was issued through a communication from the Governor’s Secretariat to vice-chancellors, directors, and heads of educational institutions. The move has received backing from the state government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Institutions Asked to Strengthen Monitoring and Student Support Systems

The letter instructed universities and colleges to improve counselling services, student welfare mechanisms, reporting procedures, and preventive safeguards following claims that some students were allegedly being influenced through inducements, psychological pressure, or other unethical means.

The communication stated that any illegal or forced religious conversion attempt involving fear, mental pressure, or unfair inducements would be “unacceptable, unethical and contrary to law.”

Anti-Radicalisation Units and Student Welfare Cells to Be Activated

The Governor’s Secretariat has also called for strengthening “Anti-Radicalisation” units and Student Welfare Cells within universities and institutions.

According to the directive, these units should actively address complaints, monitor concerns raised by students, and ensure appropriate action where necessary.

Universities Asked to Conduct Awareness Programmes

Educational institutions have been instructed to organise lectures and seminars focusing on “moral values, logical thinking and legal rights.”

The aim of these programmes, according to the directive, is to create awareness among students about legal protections and encourage informed decision-making.

Police Reporting Required for Suspicious Activities

The communication further directed universities and colleges to immediately notify local administration and police authorities if any organisation, group, or individual is found engaging in suspicious activities connected to alleged conversion attempts.

Officials have stated that such reporting mechanisms are intended to ensure timely intervention in cases involving unlawful activities.

Medical Colleges and Universities Begin Compliance Measures

Several institutions have reportedly started implementing the directive. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University has instructed affiliated institutions to establish such cells and submit compliance reports following recent concerns raised in the state.

Debate Over Campus Monitoring and Religious Freedom

The decision has triggered discussion over the role of educational institutions in monitoring alleged forced conversions. Supporters argue that such mechanisms can help prevent coercion and protect students, while critics have raised concerns about possible misuse and the impact on individual religious freedom and campus autonomy.

The development has brought renewed attention to the wider debate between preventing unlawful conversion practices and safeguarding constitutional rights, including freedom of religion and personal choice.

Courtesy The Wire

Picture Courtesy : The New Indian Express