ANANDPUR SAHIB, Punjab—Despite stiff opposition from Sikhs throughout the world, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) today appointed banker Harcharan Singh as its chief secretary. It has been alleged that the post of chief secretary was opened exclusively and Harcharan Singh will be Rs. 3 lakh per month. Meeting of the executive committee of the SGPC was held today here, wherein the Gurdwara body approved this controversial appointment.
Ever since the SPGC had proposed to create such post, Sikh organizations and intellectuals have been objecting the move and terming it as day light loot of donation of Sangat. Sikh24 had published exclusive story at that time reporting that Harcharan Singh may be appointed as chief secretary.
Shiromani Akali Dal (1920) had complained to the Union Home Minister’s office in this regard, alleging that the appointment would be a violation of the Sikh Gurdwara Act 1924 which resists the creation of any post at such a high salary.
It is notable that Harcharan Singh has retired from Punjab and Sindh Bank as its general manager.
Led by Bhai Baldev Singh Wadala, Hazuri Ragi of Sri Darbar Sahib Amritsar, the activists of Sikh Sadbhavana Dal held a protest demonstration outside the venue of the meeting to express dissent with the appointment.
nice income, but what are his duties for this so princely paid job? And is he realted anyhow with the Badal family?