In a call aimed toward guaranteeing free telecast of Gurbani from Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), the Bhagwant Mann authorities on Sunday introduced to desk a decision within the Vidhan Sabha on June 20 for an modification within the Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925.

The transfer has been strongly opposed by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Shiromani Akali Dal, who’ve termed it an ‘interference in Sikh affairs’.

The Act governs the functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) that manages at the least 100 gurdwaras within the state, together with the Harmandar Sahib, and likewise allots rights for telecast of gurbani.

Divulging particulars of the federal government’s transfer, the CM mentioned that the agenda for decision to amend the Act will likely be cleared by the cupboard at its assembly to be held on Monday and later, the decision will likely be tabled within the Punjab Vidhan Sabha throughout its particular session. scheduled for June 20.

The CM described the transfer to disseminate ‘sarb sanji Gurbani’ throughout the globe to unfold common message of ‘sarbat da bhala’ (welfare of all), advocating that Gurbani must be telecasted freed from value relatively than confining it to a single channel.

For previous a few years, PTC, a non-public news-cum-entertainment channel recognized to be pro-Akalis, has rights to telecast Gurbani from Harmandar Sahib.

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who has stakes in PTC, faces allegations of monopolizing the Gurbani telecast, a cost he has refuted on a number of events.

Addressing a press convention final month, Sukhbir mentioned Gurbani was being telecast on a non-profit foundation with none commercials. He clarified that PTC does not cost for the telecast however pays 4-5 crore yearly to the SGPC for colleges and faculties run by the gurdwara physique.

The contract for Gurbani telecast is ending subsequent month and the SGPC is within the means of renewing it. Last month, the CM provided to pay all bills for Gurbani telecast throughout the channels freed from value. But SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami introduced to name tenders to allot telecast rights.

Govt has no proper to amend Act: SGPC

Opposing the transfer, the SGPC mentioned the state authorities has no proper to make any modification within the Act.

In a tweet in Punjabi, SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami mentioned: “Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann ji, don’t try to complicate religious affairs of the Sikhs. The governments have no right to interfere in Sikh affairs.

“You are talking about adding a new section to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act by amending it. But it can only be done by the Center and that too on the recommendation of the SGPC, a body elected by the Sikhs,” he added. Maryada (Sikh code of conduct) is paramount in the telecast of Gurbani, the SGPC chief said.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has also taken strong exception to the government’s move. “Amending the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925 is unconstitutional as it has been enacted by Parliament,” mentioned SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema, alleging that the federal government was interfering in Sikhs’ non secular issues.

“The determination taken on the instructions of AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is not going to be tolerated by the Sikhs,” he added.

Lauding the CM’s transfer, Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu tweeted: “Sarb Sanjhi Gurbaani… means for one and all with no discrimination …this was a cherished desires of millions of Sikhs across the globe, including me… commendable effort @BhagwantMann …Kudos.” .