CHANDIGARH, India: Mr, Natha Singh Dalam, Public Relations Minister of Punjab and Chairman of the Committee constituted to draft the All India Gurdwara Act, has submitted the draft to the Chief Minister, Mr. Sunjit Singh Barnala. The draft envisages special positions for the Singh Sahibs and the Head Priest ‘of Harmandir Sahib, The manner of their selection has also been recommended so as to preserve the sanctity and traditions (Maryada) of the Sikh religion.

‘The Central Government had agreed to the enactment of All India Gurdwara Act under section five of the Rajiv Longowal accord, The Committee to prepare the draft was constituted at the instance of the Centre on April 18, 1986, The Committee was given the task of rewriting the 1979 draft, Mr. Gurnam Singh Tir, Giani Lal Singh, Dr. Jasbir Singh ‘Abiluwalia etc. were also included in the Committee. Later some other persons like Jathedar Kabul Singh, Gurcharan Singh Tohra and Sukhjinder Singh were also consulted.

According to new recommendations a Central Board will control all the historical Gurdwaras and the Regional and the State Boards will function under it. Central Board will also ensure proper observance of Sikh traditions in all the Gurdwara. Central Board will directly control Sri Harmandir Sahib, Five Sikh Takhts and other historical Gurdwaras. Regional and State Boards will be fully autonomous in controlling gurdwaras under their respective jurisdictions. To involve Sikh Sangats in the management of Gurdwaras, local committees would be constituted. For historical and notified gurdwaras, there would be special provisions. A separate recommendation has been made to keep Sahejdhari Sikhs in the mainstream. They would be nominated to the Board but only a Keshadhari Sikh would have the right to vote. For Central, Regional and State Boards only Amritdhari Sikhs would be eligible to contest. Certain institutions like Odassies would be excluded from Central Board’s jurisdiction. Elections would be held according to the schedule. Central Government will have the power to postpone elections by one year afier giving reasons for the postponement. To recruit employees, there would be a separate service commission. To adjudicate in Gurdwara properties and other related matters. Gurdwara Tribunal would be established, Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes would be given preference in employment.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 17, 1986