Manpreet Singh
Sri Goindwal Sahib, April 4 (Karnail Singh Rinku) ): The issue regarding the parking shed at Gurdwara Sri Bauli Sahib in Goindwal Sahib is escalating day by day. On one hand, the Nagar Panchayat of Goindwal Sahib, leaders of farmer unions, and prominent members from nearby villages have been repeatedly urging the representatives of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to vacate the shed for the construction of a Gathri (warehouse) house. On the other hand, it appears that the SGPC intends to extend the contract with the same contractor for this shed.
It has come to light that the SGPC, without any prior notice, quietly extended the lease for the shed by two months by issuing a Rs. 5 lakh bill. This move triggered a large protest by the Sangat (devotees) at Gurdwara Beebi Bhani in Goindwal Sahib. Speaking at the protest, Sarpanch Nirmal Singh Dhotti, Harpreet Singh Dhunna, Babbu Bhallwan, Surinder Singh Dhotti, Gurmej Singh DC, Harbhinder Singh Gill, Palvinder Singh Fauji Harbhajan Singh Saran, and Davinder Singh Gill expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation. They stated that the lease of the shed was to expire on 31st March, and after that, either the SGPC should respect the Sangat’s wishes by not renewing the lease and constructing a Gathri house, or they could invite fresh bids for 2025-26.
However, the SGPC extended the contract with the same contractor for another two months, which they deemed unacceptable. The concerned leaders also shared that two meetings had been held with SGPC members, including Gurbachan Singh Karmuwala, Amarjeet Singh Bhalaipur, Balwinder Singh Wei Pui, and Alwindarpal Singh Pakhoke, where the members acknowledged the Sangat’s demands, but both meetings ended without any resolution.
The leaders emphasized that the Shiromani Akali Dal leaders should refrain from interfering in the management of Gurdwara affairs. They said that extending the lease for another two months, ignoring the feelings of the Sangat, was unfortunate. The Sangat asserted that the Guru House belongs to the community, not any individual.
A 15-member committee has been formed by prominent members from various villages to appeal to the President of SGPC, Harjinder Singh Dhami, to use the shed for the benefit of the Sangat. They warned that if their appeal is not taken seriously, the Sangat will protest outside the shed, and the responsibility for the consequences will fall on the SGPC.
When the matter was discussed with Manager Gura Singh Man, he stated that extending or reducing the lease was beyond his jurisdiction, and it was done according to a letter received from the main office. In response to a phone call, Alwindarpal Singh Pakhoke denied the accusations, claiming that he does not interfere in the management of the Gurdwara and that only the SGPC has the authority over Gurdwara affairs.
