Chhattisgarh Government to Intensify Action Against Illegal Conversions Amidst Assembly Concerns Over NGO Funding

Raipur

The issue of religious conversions, allegedly facilitated by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and potentially fueled by foreign funding, took center stage in the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Monday. Home Minister Vijay Sharma addressed the escalating concerns raised by BJP legislators, assuring the House that the state government is committed to strengthening the existing legal framework to effectively tackle this issue.

The deliberations arose from a calling attention motion initiated by BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar, who specifically questioned the source and utilization of foreign funds by NGOs operating within the state, particularly concerning their alleged involvement in religious conversions. Chandrakar asserted that the possibility of foreign funding being used for conversion activities could not be dismissed.

Responding to these apprehensions, Home Minister Sharma acknowledged the central government’s jurisdiction over the investigation and regulation of foreign funding received by organizations in India. He informed the Assembly that a comprehensive review of NGOs in Chhattisgarh had been undertaken. Initially, 364 NGOs were active in the state. Following scrutiny, the funding to 84 such organizations has been halted, and the operational validity of 127 NGOs has expired, indicating a significant crackdown on entities suspected of malpractices.

MLA Chandrakar elaborated on his concerns, stating that vulnerable populations, particularly the poor and innocent, are being targeted for conversion under the guise of “Changai Sabha” (healing meetings). He further alleged that NGOs established for ostensibly noble purposes such as health, education, and social welfare are diverting foreign funds towards conversion activities. Chandrakar highlighted the existence of numerous NGOs registered along religious lines, which are also recipients of foreign financial aid. He specifically pointed out the situation in the Bastar and Jashpur districts, claiming that out of 19 NGOs registered in Bastar, 9 are operated by Christian missionaries, and similarly, 18 NGOs in Jashpur are under the management of Christian missionary groups. Chandrakar contended that the lack of stringent action against these organizations has led to a surge in conversion cases in these regions, with Jashpur district reportedly witnessing the highest incidence. He also raised concerns about the lack of audit for the substantial grants provided to educational institutions affiliated with missionaries, questioning the transparency and accountability of these funds.

 

Home Minister Vijay Sharma reiterated the government’s proactive stance, stating that immediate action is being initiated upon receiving complaints of conversions carried out under the pretext of healing gatherings. He informed the Assembly that four such cases have already been registered this year, leading to the filing of criminal proceedings and swift legal action by the police.

 

Continuing the line of questioning, MLA Chandrakar referred to a statement made by the Chief Minister on February 22, 2025, regarding the involvement of foreign funds in religious conversions. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting that the rate of conversions is increasing rather than decreasing. Chandrakar expressed his dissatisfaction with the Minister’s silence on the grants allocated to educational institutions and pressed for clarity on the existence of a robust system to investigate foreign funding and its potential misuse.

 

In response, Home Minister Sharma clarified that organizations receiving financial assistance from foreign sources are mandated to register under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). He stated that there are currently 153 such FCRA-registered organizations operating in Chhattisgarh. While reiterating the central government’s authority over foreign funding investigations and actions, he affirmed that the central government has taken significant steps in this regard.

 

When specifically asked by MLA Chandrakar if investigations had been conducted into the alleged conversion activities, Home Minister Sharma assured the House that the government is closely monitoring the activities of these organizations and that necessary action will be taken as warranted. He also addressed the financial aspects, noting that the Social Welfare Department and the Women and Child Development Department collectively provide an annual grant ranging from two to three hundred crore rupees to various organizations for educational purposes. Following the Chief Minister’s directives, a comprehensive audit of the grants disbursed over the past three years will be conducted to ensure proper utilization.

 

Responding to MLA Chandrakar’s query about the formulation of new laws, Home Minister Sharma stated that the Chhattisgarh Dharma Swatantraya Adhiniyam, 1968 (Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act) is currently in effect. However, he assured the Assembly that the government is actively working to incorporate more stringent provisions into the existing legislation to enhance its effectiveness in curbing unlawful conversions.

 

Further contributing to the discussion, BJP MLA Sushant Shukla highlighted the alleged conversion activities being carried out in Bilaspur under the “Joshua Project.” He expressed concern over the lack of action despite the filing of a police complaint and pointed to the open promotion of conversions on websites. Shukla criticized the local administration’s apparent lack of awareness, suggesting a failure of the intelligence तंत्र (system). Home Minister Sharma reiterated that the Union Home Ministry maintains a direct oversight on organizations receiving foreign funding.

 

Keshkal MLA Neelkanth Tekam voiced his alarm regarding the widespread conversions in the Bastar region, claiming that it affects 70% of the villages and poses a significant threat to the tribal culture and traditions of the area. He alleged the direct use of foreign funds in these activities and warned that if the current situation persists, Chhattisgarh risks losing its identity as a tribal state. Tekam asserted that existing laws are being disregarded and emphasized the urgent need for stricter legislation to curb these practices. Home Minister Sharma acknowledged the presence of 18 foreign-funded organizations in Bastar and stressed the need for collaborative efforts to prevent religious conversions.

 

Adding to the chorus of concerns, BJP MLA Rajesh Munat pointed out that two cases of conversion had been reported in the state capital within the preceding fifteen days. He drew a contrast with the procedures followed by the Hindu community when organizing events, where prior permission is mandatory, and questioned whether other communities adhere to similar protocols for their religious gatherings. Home Minister Sharma firmly stated that organizing any event without permission is not permissible under the current administration, emphasizing the rule of law under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s government. He affirmed that obtaining permission from the administration is mandatory for all public programs, and strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply.

 

The discussions in the Chhattisgarh Assembly underscore the state government’s increasing focus on the issue of religious conversions and the perceived role of foreign-funded NGOs in these activities. The commitment to strengthen the existing legal framework and conduct audits of NGO funding signals a more assertive approach in addressing the concerns raised by the opposition and ensuring the adherence to the rule of law in matters of religious freedom and foreign contributions.