Union minister Renuka Singh on Saturday said "anti-social elements backed by foreign funds" were taking advantage of the poverty and ignorance of tribals who are "Hindus" and trying to misguide them into converting by providing health facilities and education.
The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs went on to add that tribals were Hindus but confusion was being created over this.
"Tribals are Hindus but confusion has been created at many places. Some anti-social elements with foreign funds, taking advantage of the poverty and ignorance of these tribals, misguide (convert) them with education and health facilities, which is hurtful."
Singh said right now there is no national law against religious conversion using allurements, "but on getting complaints, we reach out to indigenous people and ask them to stay back (not convert) as the government takes full care of them."