State orders probe into religious conversions, crackdown on unauthorised churches in Nandurbar
Responding to a question raised by MLAs Gopichand Padalkar and Anup Agrawal, Bawankule affirmed the government's commitment to protecting the cultural and religious identity of tribals.
Nandurbar is designated as a Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, with the objective of safeguarding the interests of the Bhil and Pawra tribes.
However, MLA Padalkar stated in the Assembly that particularly in Navapur taluka, Christian missionaries and converted individuals are luring tribals and non-tribals into conversions through inducements and incentives. He further alleged that over 150 unauthorised churches have been constructed on village and government lands without permissions from the gram panchayat or the home department.
In his reply, Revenue Minister Bawankule stated, 'Immediate action will be taken against unauthorised church constructions in Nandurbar. As per government orders dated May 5, 2011, and May 7, 2018, churches built without permission will be removed.'
He further announced that discussions will be held with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a study of stringent laws regarding conversions will be done.
A high-level inquiry has been ordered, and a survey of all unauthorised religious structures will be completed within six months. Action will be taken in accordance with Supreme Court rulings and regulations, Bawankule clarified. Additionally, a thorough study of conversion cases will be conducted to consider implementing strict laws.
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