Reshuffle in SGPC set-up

Tribune News Service 

Amritsar, May 16

SGPC president Kirpal Singh Badungar has reshuffled the administration of the SGPC and its Dharam Parchar wing. The change of guard has been introduced at the level of secretary, additional secretary and deputy secretary. Insiders say that those closer to the SGPC president were given prominent postings whereas the merit was ignored.

Chief secretary Harcharan Singh has been empowered with more responsibilities. As per orders, all administrative issues, orders, agenda would be endorsed by him before implementing them. He would also oversee the working of all the departments. 

Additional secretary Sukhdev Singh Bhurakona, who is also personal secretary to the SGPC president, has been entrusted with the additional charge of the infrastructure wing. SGPC president’s another personal secretary Paramjit Singh has been given additional responsibility with the sports department.

Meanwhile, secretary Roop Singh’s powers have been curtailed. The issues pertaining to the infrastructure and Dharam Parchar Committee have been shifted out of his control. He will now look after the Trust and gurdwaras falling under Sections 85 and 87, Sikh history, internet wing and accounts and audit department. The overall charge of Dharam Parchar has been given to additional secretary Harbhajan Singh Manawa.

Similarly, former president’s confidante secretary Manjit Singh, who was deputed at the Chandigarh office, has been transferred to Kurukshetra. He will look after the affairs of Sikh Mission Haryana and gurdwaras in Haryana.

Secretary Avtar Singh, presently at the Chandigarh office, will take the overall charge over there. In addition to this, departments like RTI, law, property, agriculture would be under his control.

Additional secretary Mahinder Singh Ahli will look after Gurdwara Section 85, building and law departments. Additional secretary Daljit Singh Bedi, who was close to former SGPC president, will now look after publications and the gurdwara gazette. Earlier, he used to take care of publicity department too. Additional secretary Balwinder Singh will look after purchase, Sikh History and Research Board. Similarly, changes have been introduced at the deputy secretary level.