At a time when Goa faces land conversion, rampant hill cutting, environmental degradation, drugs, crimes against women, murders and illegal gambling, the Government has made religious conversion a legislative priority. The proposed Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2026 therefore needs close scrutiny. What urgent problem does it seek to solve? Forced conversion through violence, fraud, coercion or unlawful inducement should be punished, but the Government must provide credible data showing existing laws are inadequate. A stringent law risks creating suspicion in a State known for religious harmony. Severe imprisonment and fines make scrutiny essential. With only a three-day Monsoon Session, will the Assembly have enough time to examine its constitutional and social implications? Goa needs good governance, environmental protection, effective policing and social harmony—not political polarisation.
Evaristo Fernandes, Merces
