UP governor orders medical and dental colleges to set up 'anti-conversion cell'

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has directed all medical and dental colleges in the state to establish Religious Conversion Prevention Cells following recent cases that raised concerns within the administration. The directive applies to government and affiliated institutions and aims to create dedicated mechanisms for monitoring complaints, increasing awareness, and ensuring prompt action in matters related to alleged religious conversion incidents on campuses.

Following the Governor's instructions, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University issued directions to affiliated institutions to constitute the cells and submit compliance reports. The proposed units will be responsible for creating awareness among students, resident doctors, faculty members and staff while monitoring activities and responding to complaints through established procedures. Institutions have also been instructed to strengthen internal reporting systems and clearly communicate rights, responsibilities and grievance redressal mechanisms.

The decision follows a complaint filed in December 2025 by a female resident doctor at King George's Medical University in Lucknow. In her complaint, she alleged that a colleague established a relationship with her on the promise of marriage, later blackmailed her using private photographs and videos, pressured her to convert her religion and forced her to undergo an abortion. State authorities subsequently initiated an investigation into the matter.

The directive also comes amid concerns relating to another case involving the daughter of an employee of Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences. An FIR was registered at PGI Police Station on May 22 after her father alleged that she had been forcibly taken away by an acquaintance. Police initiated an investigation following the complaint and efforts to trace the woman were underway.

Officials stated that the new cells will conduct awareness programmes, monitor complaints, and help ensure a safe academic environment across medical and dental institutions in the state. King George's Medical University has stated that it already has an Anti-Conversion Cell and will comply with the Governor's directions. Educational institutions have been instructed to establish the cells at the earliest and ensure timely action on complaints received through the designated mechanisms.