ReligionLaw – Chhattisgarh Cabinet Approves Draft Bill to Regulate Religious Conversions

ReligionLaw –  The Chhattisgarh government has approved a draft legislation aimed at regulating religious conversions carried out through coercive or deceptive practices. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday evening under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The proposed Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 is designed to prevent conversions that occur due to force, inducement, fraud, undue pressure, or misrepresentation. Officials said the move is intended to strengthen legal safeguards and bring greater oversight to interfaith conversion cases within the state.

Proposed Law Targets Coercive Religious Conversions

According to government sources, the draft bill seeks to establish clear legal provisions against conversions carried out through unlawful means. Authorities say the legislation focuses specifically on situations where individuals may be pressured, misled, or offered material benefits in exchange for changing their faith.

The bill outlines legal consequences for those found violating these provisions and aims to ensure that any religious conversion takes place voluntarily and without external pressure. Officials indicated that the proposal will now move through the legislative process for further discussion and approval before becoming law.

The government maintains that the measure is intended to protect individual freedom of belief while preventing exploitation or manipulation in matters of religion.

Cabinet Clears Formation of State Staff Selection Board

In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Chhattisgarh Staff Selection Board. The new body will be tasked with conducting recruitment examinations for various government posts, particularly Grade-III and Grade-IV positions.

These posts include both technical and non-technical roles across multiple departments of the state administration. The formation of the board is expected to streamline the hiring process, introduce standardized examination procedures, and improve transparency in government recruitment.

Officials believe that creating a dedicated recruitment body will help manage the growing demand for public sector jobs while ensuring fair and efficient selection procedures for candidates.

New Law Aims to Prevent Recruitment Exam Malpractice

The Cabinet also cleared the draft of the Chhattisgarh Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Recruitment Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation introduces strict provisions to address malpractice in recruitment examinations, including cheating, impersonation, and question paper leaks.

Authorities said the bill is part of the state government’s effort to safeguard the credibility of competitive examinations. Under the proposed framework, individuals or networks involved in exam fraud could face stronger penalties.

In recent years, several states across India have faced challenges related to recruitment exam irregularities. The Chhattisgarh government stated that the new law is designed to prevent similar incidents and reinforce public confidence in the recruitment system.

Property Buyers Get Relief from Additional Registration Charge

The Cabinet meeting also delivered financial relief to property buyers by approving the removal of a 12 percent additional cess on property registrations. The charge had been introduced in 2023 to generate funds for the Rajiv Gandhi Mitan Club initiative.

Since the scheme has now been discontinued, the state government has decided to eliminate the additional levy through the Chhattisgarh Cess (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Once implemented, the change is expected to reduce the financial burden on individuals purchasing or registering property in the state.

Officials noted that the decision reflects the government’s intention to rationalize charges linked to property transactions and remove levies tied to discontinued programs.

Multiple Administrative Reforms Approved in Cabinet Meeting

The decisions taken during the Cabinet session highlight the government’s broader focus on administrative reforms, recruitment transparency, and regulatory oversight. By proposing new laws and institutional mechanisms, the state aims to address concerns related to religious conversions, exam integrity, and property registration costs.

The proposals will now proceed through the legislative process where they may be debated before receiving final approval.