SGPC slams Maharashtra cabinet decision okaying Bhatia panel report

FATEHGARH SAHIB: The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee ( SGPC) today condemned the Maharashtra Cabinet decision approving the report of the Bhatia Committee, a step which will bring about a reduction in its representation in the Takht Hazur Sahib Board at Nanded.

SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar, who was here to preside over a meeting of the SGPC Executive, said, "It is direct interference by Congress in the affairs of Sikhs, which is condemnable. It is a deep-rooted conspiracy of the Congress government (in Maharashtra)."

The Amritsar-based SGPC had earlier termed the Congress- led government's move in Haryana to form a separate body to manage the affairs of the gurdwaras in that state "direct interference in the religious affairs of Sikhs" and an attempt to "weaken the SGPC".

The Bhatia Committee, headed by former high court Justice (retd) JS Bhatia, had recommended that the representation of local Sikhs be increased on the Nanded board.

The committee was constituted by Maharashtra government to recommend amendments to the Takht Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Board Nanded Act, 1956.

The recent Maharashtra Cabinet decision paves the way for the formation of a new gurdwara board to manage the affairs of the Takht at Nanded.

Accordingly, there will now be 21 members on the board instead of the earlier 17. Also, instead of the earlier four nominated SGPC members, there will now be only one SGPC- nominated member.

Meanwhile, asked about the government barring the screening of the film 'Kaum De Heere', Makkar said that the "truth can never be suppressed and if the Censor Board had no objection, then the movie should be released".

To another question, Makkar said SGPC will provide financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the victims of the recent clashes in Saharanpur of Uttar Pradesh.