The Rajasthan cabinet has approved a proposal to enact a new law to prevent religious conversion. Additionally, approval was given for installing 2 lakh street lights in the state and for free electricity and solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.
Jaipur: Several important decisions were taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Sunday (August 31). The biggest decision was to create a law to prevent religious conversion. The cabinet has approved the new draft of the 'Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Religious Conversion Bill 2025'. Under this law, no person or institution will be able to convert individuals through deceit, coercion, or temptation. The new bill will be presented in the upcoming assembly session.
According to this law, if any person marries with the intention of religious conversion, the Family Court can declare such a marriage null and void. Violations of the law can result in imprisonment ranging from a minimum of 7 years to a maximum of 14 years, along with a fine of up to 5 lakh rupees.
Key Provisions of the Law to Prevent Religious Conversion
This law aimed at preventing religious conversion includes several clear provisions. The most important aspect is that if a person wishes to return to their original religion, this law will not be applicable to them.
Under the law, acts such as coercion, fraud, spreading misinformation, religious conversion by promising marriage, and inducement will be considered offenses. Strict provisions for punishment and fines have been included in this law to make it effective, thereby preventing any form of forced religious conversion.
New Government Decisions for Public Welfare
- PM Surya Ghar Yojana: Approval has been given for a scheme to provide free electricity up to 150 units. For households with an average monthly consumption exceeding 150 units, solar panels of 1.1 kW will be installed.
- Changes in Rajasthan Service Rules: Service rules have been amended to provide promotions and other benefits to government employees.
- Changes in Sewerage Wastewater Policy 2016: Amendments have been made to the policy for the reuse of wastewater, which will aid in water conservation and environmental protection.
- Rajasthan Subordinate Services Selection Board Service Rules: Permission has been granted to formulate rules for employee recruitment and service, which will bring transparency to the selection process and employees' rights.
Approval for Installation of 2 Lakh Street Lights in Urban Bodies
The cabinet has approved the increase in the number of street lights to be installed in the state's 312 urban bodies to 2 lakh. Previously, this number was only 1 lakh. Old and defunct street lights will be replaced with new ones in many locations within the municipal bodies. This will enhance road safety and improve lighting facilities for citizens at night. The estimated expenditure for this project is approximately 160 crore rupees.
