Amritsar: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Saturday passed a budget of Rs 1,487.41 crore for the financial year 2026-27.The budget session was held at Teja Singh Samundri Hall, situated at the SGPC office, in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. The session was presided over by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami. The annual budget was presented by SGPC general secretary Sher Singh Mandwala.Prominently among others who were present at the budget session included Giani Amarjit Singh, the officiating head granthi of Golden Temple; Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht and jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib; and Giani Tek Singh, the jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib.The Rs 1,487.41-crore budget reflected an increase of 7.28%, compared to last year’s budget.While presenting the budget, Mandwala shared details of expected income from various departments and institutions and outlined allocations for future projects. He also highlighted the SGPC’s recent contributions to religious affairs, education, preaching of Sikhism, and public welfare.Later, addressing the mediapersons, Dhami said an allocation of Rs 33 crore had been earmarked for the construction of new sarais (inns) related to Sri Darbar Sahib. He also said efforts would be made to further strengthen healthcare, education services, and religious outreach.Dhami also informed that Rs 120 crore had been allocated for the Dharam Parchar Committee, while gurdwaras were allocated Rs 1,127.34 crore.For panthic welfare activities, Rs 7.61 crore has been set aside. This includes support for the Nihang Singh organisations, legal aid and lawyer fees for Sikhs lodged in jails, monthly honorariums for prisoners, pensions for families of those who sacrificed for the Sikh faith, assistance to families of martyrs and injured Sikhs, and aid to Sikh soldiers, Sikligar and Vanjara Sikhs, as well as support for Sikh prachar through granthis in villages, he said.An amount of Rs 12.50 crore has been reserved for free education for Sikh children, while Rs 5 crore has been allocated for preparing students for the civil services mains exam.Dhami said the primary source of the SGPC income remained offerings and dasvandh contributed by the sangat.MSID:: 129864606 413 |
