UP Govt directs medical, dental colleges to set up religious conversion prevention cells

The directive comes in the wake of an alleged religious conversion case involving a resident doctor of King George's Medical University (KGMU) and the missing daughter of an employee of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI).

Following the Governor's directions, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU) issued orders to all affiliated institutions. In a letter from Dr Sudhir M Bobde, Special Officer to the Governor, the University was directed to take necessary steps.

Subsequently, on the instructions of Vice-Chancellor Amit Devgan, the University Registrar instructed all affiliated colleges to form special cells to prevent incidents of religious conversion. These proposed cells will raise awareness among students, doctors, and staff and monitor for any suspicious activity.

Institutions have also been instructed to conduct awareness campaigns to inform all concerned individuals about the relevant rules, rights, and responsibilities.

The university administration has also asked all colleges to set up the cell as soon as possible and submit a compliance report. It has also directed the institutions to ensure prompt action on any complaints.

Speaking to HT, KGMU spokesperson Professor KK Singh said that an 'anti-conversion cell' already exists at the medical university and it will fully comply with the Governor's directives.

This step has been taken amidst concerns raised over the alleged incidents in Lucknow, which sparked a debate regarding surveillance and security arrangements in medical institutions.

According to a PTI report, the police stated that a search operation is underway to locate a 21-year-old woman whom an acquaintance allegedly forcibly took away for the purpose of religious conversion.