HSGMC polls: Candidates vow reforms in education, health, cultural preservation

With the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) elections approaching on January 19, candidates are ramping up their campaigns to secure victory in their wards. Voting will be conducted via electronic voting machines (EVMs) and results will be declared the same day.

An official overseeing the elections said, “There are around 400 wards and approximately 3.5 lakh voters are expected to cast their votes across the state.” Of the 164 candidates contesting in 40 wards, Amanpreet Kaur from Tohana (Ward-25) has been elected unopposed, leaving 163 candidates in the race.

Prominent Sikh organisations, including the Panthak Dal (Jhinda) led by former HSGMC (ad hoc) president Jagdish Singh Jhinda, Sikh Samaj Sanstha led by former senior vice-president Didar Singh Nalvi, Haryana Sikh Panthak Dal and Gurdwara Sangharsh Committee Haryana, are fielding candidates. Additionally, 100 candidates are contesting as Independents.

Candidates have put forth a wide range of promises, focusing on restoring and maintaining historical gurdwaras in Haryana, implementing transparency in donations and gurudwara funds, establishing schools and colleges emphasising Sikh values and culture, engaging Sikh youth in religious, cultural, sports and skill-development programmes.

Other promises made include encouraging women’s participation in gurudwara management and providing scholarships for education and entrepreneurship and promoting Punjabi language as a second language in Haryana.

Baljeet Singh Daduwal, former HSGMC (ad hoc) president and chairman of the Dharam Parchar Committee, is contesting from Ward-35 (Kalanwali) in Sirsa. His campaign emphasises improving infrastructure, promoting Punjabi language and safeguarding religious sanctity.

“We will work to ensure Punjabi is recognised as Haryana’s second language and that it is properly implemented,” Daduwal said. He also promised to establish rest houses (sarai) for devotees at major Sikh religious sites, including Darbar Sahib (Amritsar), Hazoor Sahib (Maharashtra) and Patna Sahib (Bihar).

Daduwal outlined plans to upgrade Miri Piri Medical College and enhance the beauty of historical gurdwaras across the state.

Jagdish Singh Jhinda, former HSGMC (ad hoc) president and candidate from Assandh, emphasised the prevention of sacrilege incidents. “We will ensure complete safety and security in gurdwaras to prevent any incidents of sacrilege,” Jhinda said.

Jhinda also proposed the establishment of a Sikh University in Jind district, focused on research and the promotion of Sikh heritage. He highlighted plans to strengthen Dharam Parchar (religious propagation) efforts throughout Haryana.

Didar Singh Nalvi, former senior state vice-president and candidate from Pehowa, prioritised promoting education, healthcare and Sikh heritage. Nalvi reiterated his commitment to fostering a sense of community and cultural preservation.

With over 3.5 lakh voters preparing to cast their ballots, the election promises to bring fresh leadership and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Sikh community in Haryana. From cultural preservation to the establishment of educational and healthcare institutions, candidates are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to win the confidence of the voters.