Bill to set up Haryana SGPC introduced in state assembly

Despite facing stiff opposition from the Amritsar-based SGPC, Haryana Assembly today introduced a bill seeking formation of a separate body to manage affairs of gurdwaras in the state.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Randeep Surjewala introduced the Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras (Management) Bill, 2014 "to provide for the better autonomous management and effective supervision of Sikh Gurdwaras and Gurdwara properties in Haryana and matters related thereto."
Introducing the bill, he said, "it is a historic day for Haryana which will be written in golden letters."
Even as Congress led Bhupinder Singh Hooda government introduced the bill in the state assembly, the Amritsar-based SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar announced to set up a Sub-Committee to manage affairs of Gurdwaras in Haryana.

Haryana Agriculture Minister H S Chatha, who headed the state committee which recommended formation of a separate SGPC for Haryana while speaking on the Bill requested the Opposition to not politicise the issue and rise above party lines to pass the bill.
Yielding to long-pending "demand of the Sikhs", Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had on Sunday at a Sikh Convention in Kaithal announced the decision to set up a separate SGPC for his state, drawing flak from the Amritsar- based SGPC and Punjab's ruling Akali Dal, who dubbed it as Congress ploy to "divide and weaken" the community.

Hooda said a separate SGPC will be set up keeping in view the sentiments and aspirations of the Sikhs in his state and a law will be enacted to form the separate panel.
While the Haryana Sikh leaders spearheading the campaign for separate body welcomed Hooda's announcement as "historic", it evoked strong condemnation from Amritsar-based SGPC with Makkar alleging that the move was Congress' "nefarious design" to "weaken" the community.