Representatives from Various Sections Thank Chief Minister; Freedom of Religion Law to Curb Illegal Conversions, Recruitment Reforms to Ensure Fair Opportunities
TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 21, 2026: The passage of three major legislations during the recently concluded Budget Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly has been hailed as a landmark step towards strengthening governance, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding social harmony in the state. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, the Chhattisgarh Staff Selection Board Bill, 2026, and the Chhattisgarh (Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Recruitment and Professional Examinations) Bill, 2026, will collectively prove to be highly beneficial for the people of the state.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while interacting with a delegation of representatives from various sections of society, led by MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, who called on him at his official residence in Raipur to express their gratitude for the enactment of these key legislations.
Describing the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026 as a decisive measure, Shri Sai said the legislation reflects the government’s firm resolve to protect cultural values and maintain social harmony. He noted that concerns over religious conversions through inducement, coercion, or misinformation had been raised for a long time by various sections, particularly followers of Sanatan Dharma. The new law, he said, addresses these concerns by introducing stricter provisions and ensuring legal accountability, thereby putting an effective check on illegal conversions.
The Chief Minister also recalled the efforts of late Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Dilip Singh Judeo, stating that the bill serves as a tribute to his long-standing campaign against religious conversions. He added that earlier legal provisions were not sufficiently stringent, allowing offenders to escape action, but the new framework will ensure stronger enforcement and justice.
Highlighting reforms in the recruitment system, Shri Sai said the Chhattisgarh Staff Selection Board Bill, 2026, will play a crucial role in streamlining and standardising recruitment for government jobs, particularly for Class III and Class IV posts. The establishment of a dedicated board, he noted, will ensure a transparent, time-bound, and efficient selection process, addressing long-standing challenges faced by job aspirants due to fragmented recruitment systems.
In addition, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the Chhattisgarh (Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Recruitment and Professional Examinations) Bill, 2026, stating that it introduces stringent measures to curb malpractices such as cheating, impersonation, and question paper leaks. He said the law will help restore the credibility of the examination system and ensure that deserving candidates receive fair opportunities based on merit.
Shri Sai pointed out that both the recruitment-related bills were passed unanimously in the Assembly, reflecting a collective commitment across political lines to safeguard the interests of the youth and strengthen institutional integrity.
Members of the visiting delegation expressed their appreciation for the government’s initiatives, stating that these laws would have far-reaching positive impacts on society. They lauded the Chief Minister for taking decisive steps to address critical issues related to social balance, employment, and transparency.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also extended his greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri, wishing peace, prosperity, and well-being for all.
Among those present during the meeting were Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Prabal Pratap Singh Judev, Shri Akhilesh Soni, Shri Ramesh Thakur, and several other dignitaries and representatives from different sections of society.
