The Maharashtra state government has decided to delay the enforcement of amendments to the 1956 Act governing the Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sachkhand Gurudwara in Nanded, respecting the concerns of the Sikh community. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed to defer the introduction of the Act in the legislature. A committee will be set up to gather feedback from the Sikh community before proceeding, as announced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Minister Bawankule clarified that the government will not assume complete control of the Nanded Gurudwara, emphasizing that management will remain with the Sikh community. The objective is to enhance facilities and transparency in management due to the rising number of devotees. Proposed changes include increasing the Gurudwara Board members from 17 to 21, with elections for the President and Vice-President to be conducted internally among the 21 elected members.
The new Board composition will ensure representation from various regions in Maharashtra, with a focus on Nanded. Additionally, the Board will incorporate retired IAS and IPS officers from the Sikh community, District Collectors, and nominated members from the SGPC (Amritsar). A special committee has been formed to finalize the Act after consulting with the Sachkhand Committee and engaging in extensive discussions with the Sikh community.
