Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday announced a provision for the death penalty for individuals involved in the forced religious conversion of women in the state.
CM Yadav made this announcement on International Women’s Day while addressing an event at the Kushabhau Thackeray International Convention Center in Bhopal.
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During his speech, Yadav asserted that his government would not tolerate any form of misconduct or religious conversion, ensuring that offenders face capital punishment.
When asked about the provision of capital punishment for those involved in religious conversions, the CM said, "Our government will not tolerate conversion and misconduct. For criminals or those who are involved in religious conversion, we will ensure that they get the death penalty."
However, Congress leader Arif Masood criticised the announcement, questioning the clarity on what constitutes forced conversion. He also highlighted the government's inaction in cases of missing girls in Bhopal.
"First, the Chief Minister should clarify that forced conversion. Also, there are missing girls in Bhopal. Recently, a girl from Itkhedi went missing, and her family has been in trouble for the last three days. He (CM Yadav) speaks about strict action, but still, he is not able to find her and the accused. If he starts action in such matter, then we will welcome the decision; else, they often make announcements," Masood told ANI.
The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 2021, already prohibits conversions through misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, or fraudulent means. It prescribes strict punishments, including imprisonment and fines for violators.
The Chief Minister also highlighted his government's commitment to women's empowerment, transferring Rs 1,552.73 crore to over 1.27 crore women beneficiaries under the Ladli Behna Yojana and Rs 55.95 crore to over 26 lakh eligible women beneficiaries under the Gas Cylinder Refill Scheme.
"On the occasion of International Women's Day, I would like to say that our government is very strict in cases related to misconduct with women therefore a provision of capital punishment was made in the state. Our government will not spare criminals who misbehave with women, such people have no right to live. Additionally, those who will be involved in religious conversion, our government is going to make provision of death penalty to them too under The Madhya Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act. Our government will neither tolerate misconduct nor conversion," CM Yadav said while addressing the program.
After the program, the Chief Minister told reporters, "A joint event of the three departments which include Women and Child Development, Police and Rural Panchayat was organized in which many new schemes were presented along with the progress report of our schemes...On this occasion, monthly aid of Laldi Behna Yojana was deposited in the accounts of women beneficiaries with a single click. Also, over Rs 55 crores were transferred in the accounts of women beneficiaries under the Gas Cylinder Refill Scheme."
He emphasised that, in addition to these welfare schemes, the state government is offering job reservations for women. He assured that his administration is committed to taking all necessary steps to empower women in Madhya Pradesh.
ANI
Published: 08 Mar 2025, 10:05 pm IST
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