“Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism a different religion from Hinduism” :Gujarat Government asks Hindus to seek permission to convert !

In a circular passed on the 8th of April, the government of Gujarat has claimed Buddiam, Jainism and Sikhism to be different than Hinduism.

The Gujarat Home Department issued a circular, signed by its Deputy Secretary Vijay Badheka, which claimed Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism to be a “different religion than Hinduism”. They have also asked Hindus who are wanting permission to convert to any of these three to seek permission of the concerned district magistrate under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003.

As per reports this circular was passed beacuse, the government noticed that after granting permission to conversion Buddism and Hinduism the rules were not being followed and several Dalit Hindus of Gujarat were converting to Buddhism in large every year.

However after the passing of this circular the Home Minsnister of Gujarat has noticed that the district magistrate offices are “interpreting” the Gujarats religion Act.

The Circular has said “It has come to notice that in applications seeking permission for conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, procedure as per rules are not being followed. Moreover, sometimes, representations are being received from applicants and autonomous bodies that for religious conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, prior permission is not required,”.