SGPC Approves Rs 1,487.41 Crore Budget for 2026-27 with Focus on Expansion and Welfare
In a significant development, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has officially passed a budget of Rs 1,487.41 crore for the upcoming financial year 2026-27. The budget session was conducted at the Teja Singh Samundri Hall within the SGPC office premises, held in the revered presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.
Key Figures and Leadership Present at the Session
The session was presided over by SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami, with the annual budget presented by General Secretary Sher Singh Mandwala. Among the notable attendees were Giani Amarjit Singh, the officiating head granthi of the 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.
This year's budget reflects a 7.28% increase compared to the previous fiscal year, underscoring the committee's commitment to enhancing its services and infrastructure.
Detailed Budget Allocations and Future Projects
During the presentation, Mandwala elaborated on the expected income from various departments and institutions, while outlining strategic allocations for future initiatives. He emphasized the SGPC's ongoing contributions to religious affairs, education, the preaching of Sikhism, and public welfare programs.
In a subsequent media briefing, President Dhami highlighted several key allocations:
- Rs 33 crore has been earmarked for the construction of new sarais (inns) associated with Sri Darbar Sahib, aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims.
- Efforts will be intensified to strengthen healthcare services, education, and religious outreach activities.
- Rs 120 crore is allocated for the Dharam Parchar Committee, focusing on religious propagation.
- Gurdwaras across the region will receive Rs 1,127.34 crore to support their operations and maintenance.
Focus on Panthic Welfare and Educational Support
A substantial portion of the budget, Rs 7.61 crore, is dedicated to panthic welfare activities. This includes:
- Support for Nihang Singh organizations.
- Legal aid and lawyer fees for Sikhs incarcerated in jails.
- Monthly honorariums for prisoners and pensions for families of those who sacrificed for the Sikh faith.
- Assistance to families of martyrs and injured Sikhs, as well as aid to Sikh soldiers, Sikligar, and Vanjara Sikhs.
- Support for Sikh prachar through granthis in rural villages.
In the education sector, Rs 12.50 crore has been reserved to provide free education for Sikh children, while Rs 5 crore is allocated to prepare students for the civil services mains examination, fostering academic and career advancement.
Income Sources and Financial Sustainability
Dhami reiterated that the primary sources of SGPC income remain the offerings and dasvandh contributions from the sangat (Sikh community). This steady stream of support enables the committee to fund its extensive religious, educational, and social welfare initiatives effectively.
The newly approved budget sets a robust framework for the SGPC's activities in the coming year, with a clear emphasis on infrastructure development, community welfare, and the propagation of Sikh values.
