'Matter Of Grave Concern’: Centre Weighs Tougher Measures To Curb Illegal Religious Conversion
'Matter Of Grave Concern’: Centre Weighs Tougher Measures To Curb Illegal Religious Conversion Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 09:26 IST The
'Matter Of Grave Concern’: Centre Weighs Tougher Measures To Curb Illegal Religious Conversion Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 09:26 IST The development comes as the issue of delisting converted tribals gathers momentum nationally. The RSS has been raising the demand for years Rapid Read Several states in India have their own laws against forceful or fraudulent religious conversions. (AI generated image) The Modi government is likely to come up with a stringent policy response to religious conversions, News18 has learnt. Senior government officers, involved in the process described the issue as a matter of ‘grave national concern’ and indicated that the long-pending demand to delist converted tribals from Scheduled Tribe benefits is also being examined at multiple levels at this point. “The government sees illegal religious conversion as a matter of serious concern. It will act in accordance with law to stop illegal religious conversion of India’s tribal population," a senior MHA official told News18 adding that the government is willing to use “every constitutional and legal mechanism available" to curb what it sees as illegal religious conversions, particularly in tribal-dominated regions.
The remarks assume significance amid growing demands from tribal organisations and ideological groups, including the RSS backed Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, for stricter scrutiny of conversions and a review of welfare benefits enjoyed by those who have converted from their indigenous faith traditions. According to the official, instances of conversion through coercion, inducement or misrepresentation remain illegal under existing laws. “Any conversion obtained through force, fraud or allurement is unlawful. Such practices cannot be permitted under the guise of religious freedom," the official asserted. Significantly, the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram organised the Janjati Suraksha Manch (JSM), a mega-rally that witnessed a gathering of over 1.5 lakh tribal delegates from 550 indigenous communities across India to mark the 150th birth anniversary year of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Red Fort on May 24. Union Home Minister Amit Shah served as the chief guest at the Janjatiya Sanskritik Samagam (Tribal Cultural Confluence). Later, a delegation of senior functionaries and office-bearers of the organisation, also met President Draupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi with their demands of ‘delisting of converted tribals’ and stricter law against illegal religious conversion.
Delisting Debate The development comes as the issue of delisting converted tribals gathers momentum nationally. The RSS has been raising the demand for years, arguing that the tribal communities who embrace Christianity or other religions like Islam, should no longer be entitled to benefits meant for Scheduled Tribes (ST) preserving their traditional socio-cultural identity. Sources in the government indicated that the matter is being examined at multiple levels, although no final decision has yet been taken. The renewed focus also coincides with legislative action in states. Earlier this year, Chhattisgarh became a state that strengthened its anti-conversion framework by bringing up the anti-conversion law, and it reignited a wider national debate. Government sources further added that welfare safeguards created for historically disadvantaged tribal communities must not become vulnerable to what they describe as organised conversion campaigns. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Madhuparna Das Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years.
She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has co... Read More First Published: June 10, 2026, 09:26 IST News india 'Matter Of Grave Concern’: Centre Weighs Tougher Measures To Curb Illegal Religious Conversion Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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