SGPC stubs out tobacco business from Sikh agenda

The issue of imposing restrictions on Sikhs indulging in tobacco business came in response to queries put to the SGPC by certain Sikh organisations abroad. In many parts of India and in foreign countries a large number of Sikhs are believed to be carrying on tobacco-related business.

The SGPC also endorsed the hukamnama issued by Sikh high priests, imposing a ban on holding anand karaj (Sikh marriages) in hotels and marriage palaces. The committee also made an appeal to Sikhs to obey the hukamnama in letter and spirit.

The SGPC unanimously passed budget proposals for theyear 1998-99, totalling Rs 8.49 crore — about Rs 1.23 crore higher than that of previous year.The SGPC has separately sanctioned Rs 8.17 crores for Dharam Parchar Committee. For the first time the SGPC has earmarked a sum of Rs one crore for maintenance and reconstruction of Gurdwara buildings in Pakistan. While speaking on budget provisions, Tohra requested the Pakistan Government to allow the SGPC to undertake construction of Gurdwaras there. He said that it would be in the interest of economy of that country and added that the SGPC was ready to make all payments in dollar currency.

The SGPC also made an appeal to all Sikh organisations and Sikhs settled abroad to donate liberally for setting up an independent TV channel. He said that the estimated cost of this project would be about Rs 7 crore.

The SGPC also demanded a permanent election commission to conduct the SGPC elections every five years.

Through a resolution, the SGPC paid tributes to late Sadhu Singhbhaura former jathedar of Akal Takht,Arjan Singh Josh, MLA, Ran Singh SGPC member, Arjan Singh Bhatia and Bishan Singh Samundari former Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University.

In all, 12 resolutions were adopted by the House. More than 50 members were absent today. Bhai Ranjit Singh, jathedar of Akal Takht, arrived late for the budget session but two of his colleagues Bhai Manjit Singh, jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Anandpur Sahib and Bhai Kewal Singh, jathedar of Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo were absent.

The Sikh high priests had yesterday returned their official vehicles to the SGPC protesting against its action of questioning their integrity in financial matters. Tohra today morning met jathedar at the latter’s residence to iron out the matter. Though the outcome of the talks is not yet known, Bhai Ranjit Singh today drove to the venue of budget session in his private vehicle.