Maharashtra Puts Nanded Gurdwara Act Amendments On Hold After Sikh Community Opposition
The Maharashtra state government on Tuesday decided to put on hold proposed amendments to the 1956 Act governing the management of the historic Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sachkhand Gurdwara in Nanded. The decision to postpone the introduction of the amended Act in the state legislature follows opposition from the Sikh community.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced the decision during a press conference held at the Vidhan Bhavan press room, noting that the move was made following instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Members of the Hazur Abchalnagar Sachkhand Gurdwara board, including Dr. Vijay Satbir Singh, were present at the press conference.
Bawankule clarified that the state government does not intend to take control of the Gurdwara. Instead, the administration's objective is to provide world-class facilities and increase transparency in management to accommodate the rising number of devotees. He emphasized that the entire management of the Gurdwara will remain solely with the Sikh community.
The Nanded Sikh Gurudwara Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Act dates back to 1956, originating during the tenure of the then Hyderabad government. A committee led by retired Justice Bhatia had suggested several amendments to this Act. Under these proposed changes, the total number of Gurdwara Board members would increase from 17 to 21, and the number of elected members would rise from five to six.
Additionally, while the government had earlier intended to appoint the board's president and vice-president, the proposed changes would allow these positions to be chosen through an internal election process by the 21 members.
To address the community's concerns, the government will establish a special high-level committee comprising the additional chief secretary, the commissioner, and the district collector. This committee will consult with the Sachkhand Committee to gather their recommendations and opinions. The government will prepare the final draft only after extensive discussions and consultations with the Sikh community.
