Definition of `Sikh’ only for elections under the Act

CHANDIGARH, Sept 27: An independent group of Sikh scholars and thinkers, called the Core Group (S), have, while appreciating the work done by Justice (retd) Harbans Singh, stated that the initiative concerning the amendments to the Sikh Gurdwara Act and the Draft All India Gurdwara Bill should not be frittered away in needless controversies.

While analysing the definition of a Sikh, the group felt that the definition given in the All India Sikh Gurdwara Act is only for the purpose of the Act and for elections under the Act. "It is not intended to be a comprehensive description of a Sikh", the group added. A statement issued by Brig (retd) Gurdip Singh, secretary of the group, today said the present system of elections based on adult franchise has been widely misused and has led to corrupt practices. "The system of elections based on suggested electoral college is an unavoidable necessity and should be adopted in all states, including Punjab and Delhi", the statement added.

The meeting, chaired by Justice (retd) Ranjit Singh Narula and attended by Justice (retd) Kuldip Singh, Dr Kharak Singh, Brig (retd) Gurdip Singh, Gurbaksh Singh Shergill, Dr Malkiat Singh Rahi, Mohinder Singh and Col (retd) Perminder Singh Randhawa, also stated that reservations for women and Backward Classes have been rightly dispensed with in the proposed draft. It has also welcomed the suggested constitution of the Central Religious Committee.