Lucknow: In a significant move aimed at strengthening oversight mechanisms in higher medical education institutions, Uttar Pradesh Governor and Chancellor Anandiben Patel has directed all medical and dental colleges in the state to establish Anti-Conversion Cells.
The decision comes in the wake of alleged religious conversion-related incidents reported from two prominent healthcare institutions in Lucknow—King George’s Medical University (KGMU) and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI).
Universities Directed to Constitute Special Cells
Following the Governor’s directive, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University has issued instructions to all affiliated medical and dental colleges to constitute Anti-Conversion Cells and submit compliance reports at the earliest.
The order was reportedly issued on the basis of a communication from Dr. Sudhir M. Bobde, Officer on Special Duty to the Governor. Acting on the directive, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Devgan instructed affiliated institutions to establish the cells and provide details regarding their formation and functioning.
Role of the Anti-Conversion Cells
According to officials, the newly constituted cells will monitor any suspicious activities related to alleged coercive or unlawful religious conversion within campuses. They will also be responsible for ensuring that complaints, if any, are addressed in accordance with legal and institutional procedures.
In addition to monitoring and grievance redressal, the cells are expected to conduct awareness programmes among students, resident doctors, faculty members, and staff regarding legal provisions and institutional policies.
The move is being viewed as part of broader efforts to strengthen vigilance and maintain a secure academic environment across medical institutions in the state.
Background of the KGMU Case
One of the cases that drew public attention involved a female resident doctor from the Pathology Department at KGMU. According to reports, she filed a complaint at Chowk Police Station in December 2025 against a fellow doctor, alleging that he misrepresented facts about his marital status, established a relationship under false promises of marriage, and subsequently pressured her to convert her religion.
The allegations are currently subject to legal proceedings and investigation by the concerned authorities.
SGPGI-Linked Allegations Also Under Scrutiny
Another matter involves the disappearance of the daughter of an employee associated with SGPGI. Family members have raised concerns and made allegations linking the case to possible religious conversion activities and overseas connections. Following representations made to institutional authorities and the state government, the matter has reportedly been referred to investigative agencies for further examination.
Strengthening Institutional Oversight
Officials believe that the establishment of Anti-Conversion Cells will help create a formal mechanism for addressing complaints, enhancing awareness, and ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.
The initiative marks a significant policy intervention in Uttar Pradesh’s medical education sector and reflects the state administration’s focus on strengthening monitoring systems within educational institutions.
