Council wants prompt amendment to Sikh Gurdwaras Act

The Global Sikh Council (GSC) has urged for prompt amendment to the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925, citing numerous loopholes that enable government intervention in the administration of gurdwaras and delay in holding general elections of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Kanwaljit Kaur, president of GSC, observed that the original intent of the Act was commendable, aiming to return control of gurdwaras to practicing Sikhs from non-Sikh control, but the legislation lacks provisions requiring the Union government to consult the SGPC before making any amendments. The GSC asserts that the Act should be revised to mandate government consultations with the SGPC prior to making any amendments.

The GSC has called on the SGPC to take decisive steps towards implementing the reforms by presenting the requisite proposals to the state and central governments.