In a recent statement, Jagdish Singh Jhinda, the president of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC), called for the introduction of an All-India Gurdwara Act. He also advocated for the creation of a Sikh Parliament at the national level and Sikh assemblies within each state.
Speaking to reporters at the Model Town Gurdwara, Jhinda expressed concerns that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has become dominated by one family, which he feels undermines the integrity of Sikh institutions like the Akal Takht Sahib. He emphasized the need to reassess the current system, noting that it was established in 1925 when political and geographical dynamics were quite different.
“The existing Sikh gurdwara legislation does not reflect the realities we face today,” he explained. “After Independence and Partition, the law has largely remained focused on Punjab. A new legal framework could ensure representation for Sikhs living in various states and across the globe.”
Jhinda proposed that a Sikh Parliament be elected at the national level, and that distinct committees or assemblies could oversee gurdwaras in each state. He intends to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah soon to discuss this proposal and initiate a campaign to promote the new Act.
During a recent meeting of the Panthak Dal Jhinda, Jhinda announced the appointment of Harpreet Singh Narula as the general secretary, while Gurpreet Singh Ramba was named the youth chief. He mentioned that the organization might consider participating in the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, including Punjab, and a committee will be formed to strategize their election approach.
Jhinda highlighted that Panthak Dal Jhinda was established to safeguard the interests of the Sikh community, claiming a significant victory in the recent HSGMC elections. He urged the Haryana government to conduct elections for all 49 seats within the HSGMC and raised concerns that government regulations are hampering the committee’s operations, including delays in passing its budget.
Moreover, he noted that Panthak Dal has a substantial membership base and is working to establish its presence within the Sikh community abroad, particularly in countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
