Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gargaj, Haryana CM discuss Sikh issues

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini paid obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib on the occasion of Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Baisakhi) on Sunday.

Later, he met Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, officiating Jathedar of the Akal Takht. They discussed issues concerning Sikhs residing in Haryana. The Jathedar honoured Saini with a shawl, Sikh literature and a photo of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

Regarding the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) issue, Giani Gargaj advised the CM that the Haryana Government should furnish details about the process concerning the endorsement of elected members and hand over the management of gurdwaras there in line with sentiments of the Sikh community.

Giani Gargaj said the Sikh Gurdwaras Act of 1925 was still in effect, and, therefore, all SGPC constituencies in Haryana should remain intact, as the issue related to Sikh heritage.

He urged the Haryana CM to take steps to promote Punjabi. He said the government offices in Haryana should hire and appoint employees who could read and write Punjabi. “If a Haryana resident submits any letter or complaint in Punjabi, it should be duly accepted,” he added.