Strict laws proposed in Chhattisgarh to combat compulsory religious conversion
In the heart of India, the state of Chhattisgarh has enforced stringent laws against foreign-funded NGOs accused of facilitating religious conversions, particularly among tribal communities. This move is part of a broader anti-conversion legislation framework.
Recently, BJP MLA Ajey Chandrakar accused certain NGOs, receiving foreign funds for health, education, and social work, of indulging in religious conversions. The Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vijay Sharma, announced plans to enact a stringent legislation to curb these activities.
The proposed or existing legislation in Chhattisgarh targets activities of NGOs, including those receiving foreign funds, that allegedly induce religious conversions. The laws emphasize prohibitions against conversions carried out by coercion, allurement, or fraudulent means, reflecting overlaps with anti-conversion statutes seen in about 11 states.
The enforcement of these laws has led to high-profile arrests, such as those of two Catholic nuns and a tribal youth on allegations of human trafficking and forced religious conversions in July 2025. These arrests have sparked protests and demands for justice by Christian organizations, highlighting tension between constitutional religious freedoms and state anti-conversion policies.
As of mid-August 2025, the exact text of the proposed or amended legislation in 2025 is not detailed in the search results, suggesting ongoing reliance on existing anti-conversion regulations combined with administrative action. The state judiciary appears engaged but cautious, ensuring due process even as enforcement continues.
The state government has not provided details about the specific legislation regarding foreign-funded NGOs. However, Mr. Sharma stated that the legislation aims to stop forced and illegal religious conversions in the state. The Deputy Chief Minister did not provide details about the specific legislation that will be enacted.
Meanwhile, the validity of 127 other foreign-funded NGOs has meanwhile expired. Currently, 153 NGOs receiving foreign funds are operating in Chhattisgarh. The state government has decided to audit institutions in the health and education sectors that received financial aid from the state. Mr. Sharma mentioned that the Centre is monitoring NGOs receiving foreign funds.
The state government has taken actions in cases of forced and illegal religious conversions. It has been reported that previously, 84 of the 364 foreign-funded NGOs operating in the state were banned. The Union home ministry has been informed that further action will be taken if the state government receives complaints of illegal activities by any NGO.
Mr. Sharma also stated that the state government would not tolerate any kind of forced and illegal religious conversions. The accusation by Ajey Chandrakar was raised in the house, but no information was provided about any actions or protests by the Congress party related to this topic.
This context is crucial to understanding the legal and social environment surrounding foreign-funded NGOs and religious conversion activities in Chhattisgarh as of 2025. The situation underscores the need for careful consideration and balanced approaches in addressing religious freedom and social order concerns.
- The Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vijay Sharma, announced plans to enact stringent legislation to curb alleged religious conversions by NGOs receiving foreign funds, as part of a broader policy-and-legislation framework in the state's politics.
- The ongoing legislation in Chhattisgarh focusing on foreign-funded NGOs and their involvement in religious conversions falls under the umbrella of general-news, as it involves debates about constitutional religious freedoms, state anti-conversion policies, and ongoing judicial engagement.
