Maharashtra Says No Plan To Control Hazur Sahib, Puts Bill On Hold
The State Cabinet had approved a proposal to replace the seven-decade-old law with the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara Act.
Mumbai: Following strong opposition from Sikh bodies, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday put on hold its proposal to repeal the Nanded Sikh Gurdwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act, 1956, which governs Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib in Nanded. State Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Tuesday said the government had no intention of interfering in the gurdwara’s administration and further steps will be taken only after consulting the Sikh community through a high-level committee.
The State Cabinet had approved a proposal to replace the seven-decade-old law with the Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara Act. However, the Bill will not be tabled in the ongoing legislative session of Maharashtra Legislature pending suggestions from Sikh bodies, said Bawankule.
The minister rejected claims that the Maharashtra Government would take full control of the Nanded Gurudwara, a shrine of profound historical and religious importance associated with Guru Gobind Singh.
“The Gurudwara will continue to be managed solely by the Sikh community. The government’s objective is not to take over the Gurudwara, but rather to provide world-class amenities - considering the increasing number of devotees - and to enhance the transparency of its management,” he added.
The Act currently in force dates back to 1956, from the era of the erstwhile Hyderabad government. A committee led by retired Justice Bhatia had suggested certain amendments, under which the number of members on the Gurudwara Board was to be increased from 17 to 21. Previously, five members were elected; this number was proposed to be raised to six. Furthermore, while the government had initially intended to appoint the President and Vice-President, the selection will now be made through an internal election process involving the 21 elected members.
Representatives will be one each from the Vidarbha, Marathwada and Western Maharashtra revenue divisions and two from the Konkan-Mumbai region, which will ensure broad representation for the Sikh community across the entire state. Six members will be locals from Nanded. The board will also include retired IAS and IPS officers and District Collectors from the Sikh community, as well as Sikh Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Two members will be nominated by the SGPC (Amritsar).
Sikh organisations, including the global bodies, had termed these moves a “direct interference” in religious affairs and alleged attempts at state control over a Takht.
Bawankule said, “A special committee comprising the Additional Chief Secretary, the Commissioner and the District Collector will now be constituted to determine the necessary provisions for the Act. This committee will consult with the Sachkhand Committee and consider their views and recommendations. The final draft will be prepared only after extensive discussions and consultations with the Sikh community.”
