Meerut, September 2024 — In a shocking revelation, 20 MBBS aspirants in Meerut have allegedly converted their religion to avail of seats under the minority quota. The conversion certificates, which were crucial for securing these seats, were reportedly issued in violation of Uttar Pradesh's stringent anti-conversion law of 2021.
The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has taken swift action by cancelling all 20 conversion certificates. Authorities have also launched a full-fledged investigation into the matter to identify any potential legal loopholes exploited during the admissions process and to ensure accountability for any involved parties.
Anti-Conversion Law Under Scrutiny
The UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021, introduced to curb illegal conversions, mandates strict verification and approval processes for conversions, especially when they pertain to educational quotas or public welfare schemes. Under this law, conversions performed under duress, deceit, or with intent to gain benefits are considered void.
According to initial reports, these 20 candidates converted to minority religions, primarily with the aim of gaining admission into medical colleges under the minority quota, which offers reserved seats to students from religious minority communities. However, the certificates used to support these conversions are suspected to have been fabricated or obtained under questionable circumstances.
Certificates Cancelled; Probe Ordered
The Yogi Adityanath administration has acted swiftly, revoking all the conversion certificates involved. The Chief Minister has also ordered a high-level probe to determine the involvement of any intermediaries, government officials, or college authorities in facilitating these unlawful conversions.
A senior government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “This is a serious violation of the law. We are investigating how such conversions took place without proper legal procedures and whether there was a larger conspiracy to manipulate the medical admission process.”
Opposition Reacts
The incident has sparked outrage across the political spectrum. Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize the government, accusing it of lax enforcement of the anti-conversion law. However, BJP leaders have been quick to defend the administration's actions, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the education system.
“There is no place for such illegal activities in Yogi Adityanath’s Uttar Pradesh. This government has always stood for law and order, and anyone involved will face strict legal consequences,” said a senior BJP spokesperson.
Consequences for Students and Institutions
The medical candidates now find themselves in a precarious situation. With their conversion certificates annulled, their admissions are under review. Medical colleges where these students were admitted have been notified of the situation and may face scrutiny to ensure no malpractice occurred within their institutions.
Legal experts have noted that the students could face criminal charges under the UP anti-conversion law if found guilty of deceitful practices. Furthermore, any individuals or organizations that facilitated the unlawful conversions could be prosecuted under the same law, which carries severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Wider Implications
This incident has once again brought attention to the issue of quota-based admissions and the lengths some individuals are willing to go to secure coveted seats in professional courses. The use of minority quotas is meant to ensure representation and opportunities for marginalized communities, but such actions threaten to undermine the entire system.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, potentially widening the scope of the scandal. For now, the 20 students involved and the broader medical education community in Meerut face uncertain futures as the Yogi Adityanath government seeks to uphold the rule of law in this high-stakes affair.
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