AMBALA: The ordinance passed by Haryana government regarding Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) and making provision to appoint its 'Patron' has drawn strong objection from Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday.
As per the information, Haryana's law and legislative department issued a gazette notification dated October 24, 2022, notifying 'The Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras (Management) Amendment Ordinance (HSGMAO), 2022', promulgated by governor of Haryana, further to amend the HSGMC Act, 2014.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami reacted strongly saying that this recent Haryana ordinance regarding HSGMC is "direct government interference into the Sikh affairs."
The HSGMAO 2022 amended sub-section (8) of Section 16 of HSGMC Act, 2014, that 41-members to be nominated by the government shall elect (HSGMC) office-bearers including president and six members, to constitute an 11 member executive board of HSGMC, in its first meeting to be convened and presided over by officer appointed by government. It made a provision that if elections under Section 11 of the HSGMC Act, 2014, are not held within 18 months, a new ad-hoc committee shall be nominated by the government for a period of 18 more months, or till elections are held. It said after the newly elected HSGMC takes over charge, the ad-hoc committee shall hand over the charge to the elected one.
The HSGMAO 2022 has also added sub-section (9) to Section 16 of HSGMC Act, 2014, which was not there in the Act earlier.
The sub-section (9) makes provision that, "The government may nominate one of the members of the Committee or the ad-hoc Committee, as the case may be, as Patron, who shall be a member of the elected executive board. While making such a nomination, the Government may, if deemed necessary, consult the President or executive board of the committee or the president or executive Board of the ad-hoc Committee, as the case may be."
What is objectionable to SGPC in the HSGMC amendment ordinance of 2022?
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said, "The SGPC had already expressed its apprehension that the government wants to take control of managements of Gurdwaras through HSGMC and the fresh notification of Haryana, is its confirmation. I caution the Sikh Sangat to strongly oppose this intention of government possession on the Gurdwaras", said Harjinder Singh Dhami.
SGPC President said that in its notification, the Haryana government notified that besides forming a 41-member ad-hoc committee for 18 months, if the election of HSGMC is not held within the stipulated time, then the government will increase the tenure of the ad-hoc committee for next 18 months.
"This means, for 3 years, the management of Gurdwaras would be in the hands of the government", he said.
SGPC President said that by passing an ordinance, Haryana government has also made a provision of appointing a 'Patron' of the ad-hoc HSGMC.
"No person is Patron of Sikh Qaum (community) and Sikh bodies, but only Guru Granth Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib. In 1920, even the British government had attempted to keep the management of Gurdwaras in its own hands through a government appointed committee but after the Panthic opposition, the government had to back down. Today, the Haryana government is doing the same, which will not be accepted by the Sikhs", said Dhami.
Dhami appealed to the Sikh leaders of Haryana to understand the intention of the government and strengthen the SGPC, an organization of the Sikh Panth working under the patronage of Akal Takht Sahib. He also warned the governments to stop interfering in Sikh issues and not to play politics for Gurdwaras.
What does the HSGMC leader say about HSGMC amendment ordinance?
HSGMC last president Baljit Singh Daduwal said, "Haryana government or Supreme Court gave right to manage Haryana Gurdwaras to state Sikhs only but not to non-Sikhs. I am not aware that the provision made by the Haryana government of appointing a 'Patron' of HSGMC, has been done on whose advice. We will hold a discussion about the Patron issue with the Haryana chief minister. I myself have said that a Patron is Guru Granth Sahib, whether it is SGPC, DSGMC or HSGMC and no person can be a Patron. I give priority to Guru's Maryada (code of conduct) and do not agree with this provision of appointing a Patron. If I am asked to take charge as Patron, I will not accept it."
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