Punjab cabinet moves resolution to make Gurbani transmission ‘free for all’
Chandigarh: The Punjab cabinet on Monday moved a resolution to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, to make transmission of Gurbani from the Golden Temple “free for all”. It will be tabled in the special session of the Assembly for discussion and passing on Tuesday. The SGPC reacted sharply to the move, asking the government not to interfere in religious matters.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the resolution is a historic decision aimed at ensuring the free-to-air telecast of the Gurbani from Sri Harmandar Sahib. He said that as per the resolution, the telecast of Gurbani would be free-to-air in India and abroad.
He said the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, had no word on broadcast or live telecast of Gurbani. He said that in 2012, exclusive rights to air the Gurbani for 11 years were given to one TV channel.
Responding to the cabinet decision, SGPC chief Harjinder Dhami said, “The Gurdwara Act can be amended only by the Centre. The Punjab government has no right to do so.”