Dehradun, Aug. 14 -- The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, with provisions for stringent penalties on illegal conversion, ban on propaganda through digital media and protection of victims of religious conversion, a statement by the Uttarakhand CMO said.

The Bill was approved in the state cabinet meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

According to the CMO, the Bill includes a broad definition of inducement - gifts, cash/goods benefits, employment, free education, promises of marriage, hurting religious sentiments, or glorifying another religion - all included in the category of crime.

The Bill bans "propaganda and incitement for c...