NHRC Investigates Alleged Religious Conversion of 556 Hindu Children in Unauthorized Madhya Pradesh Madrasas

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested an action-taken report within 15 days regarding alleged illegal religious conversion activities in Madhya Pradesh.

The NHRC is responding to a complaint alleging that 556 Hindu children are being targeted for religious conversion through enrollment in 27 unauthorized madrasas operating throughout Morena and neighboring districts.

According to the complaint, these educational institutions are teaching the Quran and Hadith to Hindu minors without proper government authorization, potentially violating the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, Article 28(3) of the Constitution, and a state government directive issued on June 15, 2015.

The complainant also suggested that these alleged conversion activities may be connected to illegal foreign funding and "anti-national" elements.

In response, the NHRC has instructed the Principal Secretary of School Education to provide a comprehensive action-taken report within a 15-day timeframe.

The complaint specifically identifies madrasas in various locations including Islampura, Jaura, Porsa, Ambah, Kailaras, Sabalgarh, and other areas within Morena district. The primary allegation centers on Hindu minors being compelled to study religious texts without parental consent or official state approval.

BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma responded firmly to these allegations, stating that strict action would be taken. "Compelling someone to learn about another religion and inviting them to madrasas for such instruction is unacceptable. The government and Education Department will take strict action, and madrasas where Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, or Sikh children are taught Islam will be closed. This practice will not be tolerated," Sharma declared.

He further emphasized that the state government must ensure thorough inspections by District Education Officers and Collectors to identify which institutions are operating without proper recognition, who is providing instruction, and whether inducements or coercion are being employed.

In contrast, senior Congress leader and former Law Minister PC Sharma placed responsibility on the government. "If Hindu children are studying in madrasas, what action is the Education Department taking? The government establishes laws against love jihad and religious conversion, but what about enforcement? This appears to be mere event management. Officials are neglecting their responsibilities, and the BJP simply divides society along religious and caste lines for political gain," Sharma stated.

Official records indicate that Madhya Pradesh has 1,505 government-recognized madrasas where 9,417 non-Muslim children are enrolled. The recent allegations specifically concern unrecognized institutions reportedly operating without legal authorization.

The NHRC's directive now focuses attention on the state Education Department, which must explain how unauthorized madrasas are operating and whether children are being forced to participate in religious instruction against their will.