The Opposition blames the present SGPC set up for “extravaganza” and even misuse of funds of the SGPC, which has an annual budget of Rs 500 crore. According to Panthic Morcha leaders, inquiries should be made into Makkar using fuel for his official vehicles to the tune of Rs 1.62 crore in the name of dharma parchar (evangelism) in just one year.
AMRITSAR – With canvassing for Shiormani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) polls reaching its crescendo — only a week is left for 53 lakh Sikh voters to elect 170 members to the religious body running Gurdwara affairs — the issue of Committee chief Avtar Singh Makkar’s “extravaganza” of using fuel worth crores and budget deficits have hit the election campaign.
The Opposition blames the present SGPC set up for “extravaganza” and even misuse of funds of the SGPC, which has an annual budget of Rs 500 crore. According to Panthic Morcha leaders, inquiries should be made into Makkar using fuel for his official vehicles to the tune of Rs 1.62 crore in the name of dharma parchar (evangelism) in just one year.
While alleging that pilferage of funds was taking place from the gurdwara’s golaks (offering boxes), the leaders asked how there had been no debates on budget and that financial plans are passed arbitrarily without discussions. The Morcha maintained that fiscal deficits can be witnessed in the annual budget despite the fact that the revenue of gurdwaras, including the Golden Temple, show a major rise in the wake of more devotees visiting the spot.
