Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan calls for collective stand to protect panthic maryada; Seeks transparency, Accountability in SGPC

CHANDIGARH (The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Thursday called upon the Sangat and Panthic circles to unite in order to safeguard Panthic maryada, asserting that transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is the need of the hour. Addressing growing concerns around the management of Sikh institutions, he said the time had come for collective introspection and corrective action.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “I appeal to the Sangat and Panthic circles to come together to protect Panthic maryada. Transparency and accountability in SGPC is a need of the hour.”

Referring to the functioning of the SGPC, Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “While SGPC is a highly responsible and respected institution meant to manage Gurdwara Sahiban, for the past few decades, questions have repeatedly been raised over its working.”

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker stated, “Panth-conscious voices have been flagging concerns from time to time, and the latest disclosures by Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, as well as earlier concerns raised by Bhai Sahib Bhai Ranjit Singh, have once again brought serious issues to the forefront.”

Raising specific issues, Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “Matters related to Gurdwara lands, Guru’s golak, and overall management have witnessed irregularities, yet instead of correcting the shortcomings, action was taken against those who raised their voice. Transfers, expulsions and even cases were used to silence whistleblowers, while efforts were made to portray the whistleblower as the culprit.”

Kultar Singh Sandhwan said, “The role of a certain family controlling SGPC has come under sharp questions following these revelations. Misuse of our institution, golaks and panth for political interests is unacceptable. Issues like alleged land scams, irregularities related to langar rotis, and the sensitive matter of 328 saroops must not be deflected anymore.”

Calling the present situation a decisive moment, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker said, “It is a decisive moment. The entire Panth must raise its voice collectively, and coming together in the spirit of Sarbat Khalsa is justified. If the Panth suffers, Punjab suffers; if Panthic institutions weaken, society weakens. Safeguarding the maryada and property of Guru Ghar requires awareness and unity.”