ONE of Fiji's main Hindu organisations, the Shree Sanatan Dharm Pratinidhi Sabha, has proposed that Fiji be declared a secular state.
Sabha general secretary Vijendra Prakash said they had prepared their submission for the Constitution Commission.
Mr Prakash said the Sabha believes religion and State should be separate.
"Every religion has contributed and invested a lot in Fiji and all religions should be given the right to affiliate, respect and preach," he said.
Mr Prakash said in their submissions they had also proposed the establishment of a new ministry to be called the Ministry for Religion, Culture and Civic Pride.
"The reason we want a new ministry is to see the contribution of faith-based organisations and to develop inter and intra-faith dialogue in the country," he said.