Serious allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and administrative failures have rocked the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC). Senior members have publicly accused committee president Jagdish Singh Jhinda of misusing donations and undermining religious and social initiatives, leading to a demand for his immediate resignation.
Press Conference Reveals Litany of Charges
The accusations were levelled during a press conference held at the Chandigarh Press Club on Thursday. A coalition of senior office-bearers, including senior vice presidents, vice presidents, interim members, and committee chairpersons, addressed the media. Prominent among them were Gurmeet Singh Ramsar, Gurbir Singh Talakour, Jagtar Singh Maan, and Tajinderpal Singh Narnaul.
They stated that none of the promises made by Jhinda during his election campaign have been fulfilled. These promises included opening a university school, banning the misuse of gurdwara vehicles, abolishing VIP culture, and ensuring fair treatment for staff.
Specific Allegations of Financial and Administrative Misconduct
The members presented a detailed list of alleged wrongdoings. They claim Jhinda has been involved in the misuse of donations from the Guru's Golak (donation boxes). Furthermore, funds collected for specific causes like Black Day observances, flood relief, and the 350-year celebration have reportedly been misappropriated.
Other serious charges include:
- Distributing honorary awards to individuals deemed unworthy.
- Using committee vehicles and staff for personal work.
- Removing honest staff due to personal bias and orchestrating arbitrary transfers.
- Disrupting the education system through irregular transfers at the Nursing College and Tilokewala School.
- Ignoring serious allegations raised by former colleague Bhupinder Singh Ladi.
Violations of Procedure and Defiance of Authority
The members accused Jhinda of authoritarian conduct, stating that two general house meetings and three executive meetings have failed to convene properly under his leadership. They also criticised the gurdwara election system and judicial commission, alleging inefficiency.
A significant legal point raised was that Jhinda's election itself violated the Gurdwara Act 2014, a matter that was challenged before the Election Commissioner. The members lamented that no justice has been delivered in the eight months since the challenge was filed.
Adding to the controversy, the committee is accused of ignoring orders from the Judicial Commissioner to halt arbitrary transfers and provide monthly accounts. The approval of illegal funds is seen as evidence of collusion between the commission and the president.
Mounting Pressure for Resignation and Reform
Frustrated by the alleged misconduct and the stalling of internal democratic processes, the members have united to demand the immediate resignation of president Jagdish Singh Jhinda. The press conference in Chandigarh marks a significant escalation in the internal conflict within the HSGMC, putting a spotlight on the need for transparency and accountability in the management of religious institutions and their funds.
