Appendices

No. 318-716-V-CON.-Whereas representations have been made to Government from time to time that Christian Missionaries, either forcibly or through fraud and temptations of monetary and other gain, convert illiterate aboriginals and other backward people thereby offending the feelings of non-Christians;

And whereas it has further been represented that Missions are utilised directly or indirectly for purposes of political or extra-religious objectives;

And whereas the Christian Missionaries have repudiated these allegations and have asserted on the other hand that their activities are confined solely to religious propaganda and towards social, medical and educational work;

And whereas the Missionaries have further alleged that they are being harassed by non-Christian people and local officials;

And as agitation is growing on either side;

The State Government consider it desirable in the public interest to have a thorough inquiry made into the whole question through an impartial Committee.

2. Government are accordingly pleased to constitute a Committee consisting of the following:-

Chairman.

(1) Dr. Bhawani Shankar Niyogi, M.A., LL.M., LL.D., ex-Chairman, Public Service Commission, Madhya Pradesh, and Retired Chief Justice, High Court of Judicature at Nagpur.

Members.

(2) Shri Ghanshyam Singh Gupta, B.Sc., LL.B., ex-Speaker, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Durg.

(3) Shri Ratanlal Malviya, B.A., LL.B., M.P., Manendragarh.

(4) Shri Bhanupratapsingh Giri Raj Singh Deo, M. P., of Komakhan, Tahsil Mahasamund, District Raipur.

(5) Shri S. K. George, M.A., B.D., Professor, Commerce College, Wardha.

(6) Shri B. P. Pathak, Secretary to Government, Madhya Pradesh, Public Health Department.

3. The Committee shall enquire into the questions mentioned in the preamble and report to Government what the facts are.  On a thorough review of the question from historical and other points of view, the Committee may also make recommendations to Government as to the action that Government should take to deal with the situation as disclosed by the inquiry.

4. The Committee is authorised to frame its own procedure for conducting the enquiry and is requested to submit its report to Government with all possible expedition.