SGPC On Religious Tax

A delegation of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) met the Charge d'Affaires of Pakistan to India, Saad Ahmad Warraich, in Delhi on Friday regarding visa-related issues for Sikh pilgrims. The delegation demanded that the entire list of Sikh pilgrims sent by the SGPC for visiting Gurdwaras in Pakistan be granted visas and that the Sikh Jatha be allowed to travel according to the approved 'Nanakshahi' calendar on the occasion of the martyrdom day of Sikh Guru Arjan Dev. The SGPC delegation included its Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan, member Rajinder Singh Mehta, Secretary Partap Singh, and Assistant Secretary Jaswinder Singh. According to an SGPC statement, Kulwant Singh Mannan and Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta stated that, in the past, a large number of visas for Sikh pilgrims from the list sent by the SGPC to the Pakistan High Commission were denied. A meeting was held with Pakistan's officials in Delhi on Friday to discuss this matter. The delegation emphasized t

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee on Tuesday passed a budget of Rs 1,138.14 crore for the financial year 2023-24 during its general meeting here, officials said. In one of the resolution passed during the meeting, the body condemned arrest of Sikh youths who during a recent police crackdown against radical preacher Amritpal Singh and his aides. The SGPC said the Sikh youths who were arrested, would be provided legal aid by the body. SGPC general secretary Gurcharan Singh Grewal presented the budget which was passed by the SGPC members. Head granthi (Priest) of the Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) Giani Jagtar Singh, Jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, SGPC office-bearers and members were present during the budget meeting. Sharing information after the budget meeting, Dhami said the SGPC budget has recorded a 17 per cent increase as compared to last year. The SGPC president said a special amount has been arranged for

SGPC chief says he is aghast at the 'additional tax burden of Rs 10-cr' for running its 'sewa'