SGPC general secretary S S Mand presents annual budget; over Rs 1,000 crore allocated for maintenance of gurdwaras

In terms of expenditure, Rs 1,062 crore has been allocated for the maintenance and management of gurdwaras. The Dharam Parchar Committee will receive Rs 1,10 crore, while educational institutions have been allocated Rs 295 crore. Other allocations include Rs 86 crore for the General Board Fund, Rs 65.36 crore for the Trust fund, Rs 50.80 crore for the Vidya Fund, Rs 3.90 crore for the sports fund, Rs 8.12 crore for printing presses, and Rs 5.50 crore for Baba Buddha Ji Charitable Hospital.

‘SGPC paying from pocket’

At present, SGPC operates several educational institutions, including Guru Ram Das Medical Sciences University in Amritsar, Meeri Peeri Medical Science and Research Institute in Shahabad Markanda, and Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University in Fatehgarh Sahib. In addition to these, SGPC manages 31 higher education institutions offering courses in arts, science, commerce, engineering, and polytechnic disciplines, as well as 47 primary and secondary educational institutions across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

“A major challenge faced by these institutions is the non-fulfillment of government-aided teaching posts, as vacancies created by retiring teachers are not being filled by the government. Due to the lack of government approval for teachers hired under aided posts, SGPC has taken on the responsibility of paying their salaries,” said Sher Singh Mand in his speech.

“Previously, SGPC’s educational institutions were running at a financial deficit, but they are now moving towards self-sufficiency. The number of student admissions is increasing every year, and all staff salaries are being paid on time. Pending liabilities have been cleared, and after settling all dues, the buildings of these institutions are being renovated, and new infrastructure is being developed. Play stations have been installed in primary and public schools for young children,” he added.

Mand said efforts would be made to beautify the educational buildings and create new infrastructure in the upcoming financial year. SGPC is also reaching out to social welfare organisations for support in further strengthening these institutions, he added.

He said, “Last year, with the assistance of a private bank, hundreds of computers, 21 high-tech soundproof ICT labs, and 80 high-tech smart classrooms were installed in schools and colleges. For student transportation, three air-conditioned buses with 46 seats, two air-conditioned buses with 42 seats, and three ‘Magic’ school vans have been provided, with six more to be delivered soon. Additionally, another bank has contributed towards setting up new smart classrooms.”