Chandigarh: Allegations of corruption, financial irregularities and administrative failures have surfaced in the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (HSGMC) as fellow members have accused President Jagdish Singh Jhinda of misusing donations from the Guru’s Golak (donation boxes), mismanaging gurdwaras and undermining religious, educational and social initiatives. The members demanded Jhinda’s immediate resignation during a press conference held at Chandigarh Press Club on Thursday,
Present at the conference were senior and junior vice presidents, interim members, committee chairpersons and representatives including Gurmeet Singh Ramsar, Gurbir Singh Talakour, Jagtar Singh Maan, Tajinderpal Singh Narnaul, Jathedar Baljit Singh Daduwal, Diddar Singh Nalvi, Rajinder Singh Barada, Gurtej Singh Ambala, Mayor Bhupinder Singh Panipat, Swarn Singh Bunga Tibbi, Sarpanch Bhupinder Singh Ladi Saunkra, Bhupinder Singh Saini, Captain Dilbag Singh Saini and Sukhvinder Singh Mandebar.
Members stated that none of the promises made by Jhinda at the time of his election including opening a university school, banning misuse of gurdwara vehicles, abolishing VIP culture and fair treatment of staff have been fulfilled. Instead, allegations include distributing honorary awards to unworthy individuals, personal use of committee vehicles and staff, misappropriation of funds collected in the name of Black Day, flood relief and the 350-year celebration.
Members further claimed that honest staff are being removed due to personal biases, arbitrary transfers are rampant and some employees are colluding in financial misuse. In education, irregular transfers in the Nursing College and Tilokewala School have reportedly disrupted the system.
Jhinda is accused of authoritarian conduct with two general house and three executive meetings failing so far. Former colleague Bhupinder Singh Ladi’s serious allegations remain unaddressed. Members also criticized the inefficiency of the Gurdwara election system and judicial commission, stating that Jhinda’s election violated the Gurdwara Act 2014, challenged before the Election Commissioner. The no justice has been served in eight months. Orders from the Judicial Commissioner to halt arbitrary transfers and provide monthly accounts have allegedly been ignored while illegal fund approvals point to collusion between the commission and the president.
Committee members demanded the immediate removal of the commissioners and appointment of impartial authorities.
