Samiti urge Dalits to register their religion as Buddhist in the upcoming Socio-Educational survey

Akhil Karnataka Buddha Dakhalaathi Andolana Samiti of district unit-a consortium of Dalit Organisations, has urged the followers of B.R. Ambedkar to mark “Buddhism” as their religion while mentioning their respective castes in the caste column in the Socio-Economic survey by Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission to begin on September 22.

Samiti members Devendra Hegde, Mariyappa Halli, and Arjun Bhadre addressing presspersons in Kalaburagi city on Saturday claimed that one does not face difficulties in enjoying reservation benefits by mentioning Buddhism as their religion. According to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment) Act, 1990, the members of Scheduled Castes who converted to Buddhism would continue to be recognised as Scheduled Castes and remain eligible for reservation benefits.

Mr. Hedge said that Buddhism was not only a religion but a powerful force that could eliminate inequality inherent in the caste system.

Members of the Karnataka State Scheduled Castes Right Communities Forum during a meeting held on September 18 at Bengaluru have resolved that people belonging to the ‘Right Communities’ to mention Buddhism as their religion followed by their respective castes in the caste column during the survey, Mr. Bhadre added.