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 under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.
The circular was issued by the Home department on April 8 after concerns were raised regarding the handling of applications seeking conversion to Buddhism. The circular was signed by Deputy Secretary (Home) Vijay Badheka.
The circular mentioned that “with reference to Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, Buddhism will have to be considered a separate religion”.
It added, “As per the Act, the person who is getting another to convert from Hinduism to Budhhism/Sikhism/Jainism will have to take prior permission of the district magistrate in a prescribed format. Also, the person who is converting will have to inform the district magistrate in a prescribed format.”
Notably, several Dalits have been seen converting en masse to Buddhism in Gujarat every year, particularly during festivals like Dussehra. The Gujarat Buddhist Academy (GBA) is one of the prominent organisations that holds such conversion events regularly in the state.