Chandigarh, Feb 18: Aam Aadmi Party MLA Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar has condemned the reported corruption within the SGPC, describing the situation as a shameful chapter for the Akali Dal and the committee’s management. Speaking on Wednesday, Nijjar affirmed that the claims made by Giani Raghbir Singh regarding the solicitation of bribes for religious paths and the mismanagement of lands must be taken seriously by the global Sikh Sangat.
The senior leader highlighted specific instances of alleged bribery, stating that devotees are reportedly being asked for sums as high as Rs 5 lakh to facilitate paths at Sri Darbar Sahib. He declared that even internal transfers of employees are influenced by monetary transactions, citing a case where an employee was allegedly asked for a similar amount to secure a transfer back to Amritsar. These practices, Nijjar maintained, prove that political pressure and greed have replaced honesty within the organization.
The issue of missing sacred artifacts also took center stage, with Nijjar questioning the fate of 328 hand-written swaroops of the Guru Granth Sahib. He stated that these items, including historic swaroops related to the Nankana Sahib Morcha, are currently unaccounted for, leaving the community in search of answers. He maintained that the disappearance of such a significant portion of Sikh history is an inexcusable failure of the current leadership.
“The fact that a responsible office-bearer of the supreme Sikh institution has now brought these truths into the public domain multiplies the seriousness of the matter,” Nijjar stated. He asserted that the reported sale of langar rotis and the subletting of management contracts at high prices constitute a blatant insult to the faith of the devotees.
Nijjar urged a collective effort from the community to bring about structural changes in the management of these institutions. He declared that major reforms are necessary to ensure that the heritage and wealth of the Guru Ghar are protected and utilized solely for the welfare of the Panth.
