In a circular issued by the Gujarat Department of Home affairs, the government said that Hindus who intend to convert to Buddhism, Sikhism, or Jainism must obtain prior approval from their District Magistrates (DMs). In the circular, Buddhism is recognized as a separate religion. The state government aims to address issues related to the handling of conversion applications through this new ruling.

People convert to Buddhism during Dussehra

The circular which was issued on 8th April says, "The government has observed that applications for conversion to Buddhism are not being made according to the rules. Every year in Gujarat, people were convert to Buddhism during Dussehra and other festivals and the rules were not followed. In cases where applications are filed seeking prior permission, 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 (such) religious conversion,” the circular stated.

However the government clarified that according to the Gujarat Religious Freedom act 2003, Buddhism is considered a separate religion. It added that "as per the Act, the person who is getting another person to convert from Hinduism to Buddhism/Sikhism/Jainism will have to take prior permission of the district magistrate. Also, the person who is converting will have to inform the district magistrate in a prescribed format". It instructs the DMs to decide approvals of those applications after thorough study of legalities involved and following guidelines given by the state government.

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Image: India Today

The trend of Dalits converting to Buddhism is widespread in Gujarat, and the Gujarat Buddhist Academy (GBA) plays a significant role in organizing such conversion events in the state. Secretary of GBA, Ramesh Banker, said “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 (some in the) administration while misinterpreting the law. We believed from the beginning that Buddhism is not a part of Hinduism and for conversion to Buddhism, prior permission of the district magistrate is mandatory in a prescribed format. It was our demand (to issue such a clarification), which has been fulfilled. In our conversion events, we have always followed procedure, taking prior permission of the concerned district magistrate by filling up a prescribed form,” he added.

According to Banker, around 2,000 people, mostly Dalits, convert to Buddhism in 2023. As per the 2011 Census report, Gujarat has 30,483 Buddhists, which accounts for 0.05 % of the total population. The Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act was brought to prevent religious conversion via allurement, force or fraud. It has provisions for up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.

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