Buddhism separate religion, Hindus must seek approval to convert: Gujarat

The gujarat government has issued a circular clarifying that Buddhism has to be considered a separate religion and any conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism would require prior approval of the district magistrate concerned under the provisions of the gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.

The circular was issued by the Home department on April 8 afterit came to the notice of the government that applications seekingconversion to buddhism were not being dealt with as per rules. The circular was signed by deputy Secretary (Home) Vijay Badheka.

Every year, mostly Dalits have been seen converting en mas se to Buddhism at events held on Dussehra and other festivals.

The circular stated that “in applications seeking permission for conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, procedure as per rules are not being followed,” it added. “...concerned offices are disposing such applications while stating that under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism are included within Hinduism and so the applicant is not required to take permission for religious conversion,” the circular stated.

“It is possible that the replies given to applicants in sensitive subject like religious conversion without sufficient study of legal provisions can result in judicial litigations,” it added.

The circular mentioned that “with reference to Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, Buddhism will have to be considered a separate religion” and hence the person getting another to convert from Hinduism to Budhhism/ Sikhism/ Jainism will have to take prior permission, and the person who is converting will have to inform, the district magistrate. it further instructed district magistrates to decide application of religious conversion after detailed study of the legal provisions.

A senior Home department official said the circular has been issued as a clarification on the subject .“Some district magistrates were wrong ly interpreting the Act... Also, some district magistrates had sought guidance on the subject,” the official said.

Ramesh Banker, Secretary of the Gujarat Buddhist Academy (GBA), welcomed the circular. “This circular has made it clear that Buddhism is a separate religion and it has nothing to do with Hinduism. The confusion was created by administration while misinterpreting the law. We believed... that Buddhism is not a part of Hinduism and for conversion, prior permission of the district magistrate is mandatory... It was our demand, which has been fulfilled.”