SGPC Tables ₹1,386 Crore Budget Amid Protests Over Jathedar Appointments
Amid growing protests by Damdami Taksal and several Sikh organizations over the recent removal and appointment of Takht Jathedars, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Friday presented its annual budget of ₹1,386.47 crore for the financial year 2025–26.
The proposed budget reflects a 10% increase from the previous year's allocation of ₹1,260.97 crore for 2024–25. SGPC General Secretary Sher Singh Mand presented the detailed income and expenditure report, which was approved by the General House during its meeting at Teja Singh Samundri Hall in Amritsar.
While the SGPC meeting was underway, a large protest march led by Damdami Taksal chief Baba Harnam Singh Khalsa "Dhuma" and comprising members of Sikh organizations such as the Nihang Singh groups, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, attempted to reach the SGPC headquarters located within the Golden Temple complex. Police, however, stopped the procession before it could reach the site.
Despite the restrictions, the protesters managed to reach Heritage Street and later staged a peaceful sit-in near the entry point of Sri Guru Ram Das Jee Langer Hall. Baba Harnam Singh condemned the SGPC’s recent decisions, calling them “anti-Panthic,” and accused the committee of violating Sikh religious traditions (maryada) in the manner of removing and appointing the Takht Jathedars.
He referred to the 'Panthic Ikath' held at Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla on March 14, where attendees—including Nihang Singhs and members of various Sikh groups—unanimously rejected the newly appointed Jathedars and demanded the reinstatement of their predecessors.
“The SGPC has committed a grave error by disrespecting the sanctity of the Takhts and overriding Sikh traditions. These decisions must be revoked,” Baba Harnam Singh stated.
The controversy stems from the SGPC executive committee's decision on March 7 to appoint Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj as the acting Jathedar of Akal Takht, in addition to assigning him the post of Jathedar at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. This move involved the removal of Giani Raghbir Singh and Giani Sultan Singh from their respective roles, although they continue to serve as head granthi and granthi of the Golden Temple.
Additionally, Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula was appointed as the new Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, replacing Giani Harpreet Singh, who was relieved of the post in February.
Notably, the newly appointed Jathedars, including Giani Gargaj, were absent from the SGPC General House meeting held today.
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