AMRITSAR SAHIB—Decision by the SGPC to appoint a chief secretary has been questioned by the Sikh Sangat. It is notable that after the retirement of S. Dalmegh Singh, the SGPC had decided to appoint a chief secretary to ensure smooth workings of the organization. A job posting was published in Ajit specifying the interview date as June 6 and the lump sum salary of Rs. 3 lakh (~$1600 USD) per month. Due to some reasons, the date was deferred to June 20, which has now been suspended for infinite time.
Executive member of the SGPC, S. Karnail Singh Panjoli has expressed disagreement with the “walk in interview”. He has written to the SGPC President Avtar Makkar stating that the SGPC is not a business firm that needs a chief secretary to run smoothly. He suggested that the executive committee should meet the President of the Shiromani Akali Dal and discuss the pros and cons of this appointment.
Former Secretary of SGPC and leader of Akali Dal 1920 said that no provision exists for appointing Chief Secretary in the SGPC according to Gurdwara Act of 1925. He added that no employee could be given monthly salary of Rs. 3 lakh as per the latest Punjab State wages norms. He stated that the President of Akali Dal 1920 S. Raviinder Singh has written letters to the Prime Minister and Home Minister to stop this appointment as it is violation of the Gurdwara Act of 1925.
Considering the opposition and suggestions, Makkar has called a meeting of the SGPC Executive Committee to discuss the issue. He informed that the date of interview has been also suspended for infinite time till final decision.
