Why Gujarat Government Issued A Circular To Recognise Buddhism As Separate Religion

In a recent development, the Gujarat government has issued a circular clarifying the status of Buddhism as a separate religion and emphasizing that conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism require prior approval from the district magistrate under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.

The circular, issued by the Home department on 8 April, comes after concerns were raised regarding the handling of applications seeking conversion to Buddhism.

Notably, many Dalits in Gujarat have been observed converting to Buddhism in significant numbers annually, particularly during festivals like Dussehra, as per reports by Indian Express.

The circular mentioned that “with reference to Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, Buddhism will have to be considered a separate religion”.

It added that 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. 

Responding to the circular, Secretary of the Gujarat Buddhist Academy (GBA), Ramesh Banker, expressed approval, stating “This circular has made it clear that Buddhism is a separate religion and it has nothing to do with Hinduism.

Banker also noted that the GBA has always followed prescribed procedures for conversions and welcomed the issuance of the circular.

On 25 October, last year, around 400 people had converted to Buddhism in Ahmedabad.

Similarly, in October 2022, around 900 people converted to Buddhism in Gir Somnath. 

Also Read: Here Are The 11 Key Takeaways From PM Modi's Latest Interview