SGPC chief Badungar likens GST on langar to ‘jazia’

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 18

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Kirpal Singh Badungar today criticised the centre for imposing the Goods and Services Tax on langar and likened the same to ‘jazia’. Speaking at a religious event held at Gurdwara Panjokhra Sahib in Ambala Cantonment, Badungar said, “The GST is similar to ‘jazia’ imposed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. We have repeatedly requested the Centre to reconsider its decision and exempt religious places from the GST but received no response.”

He said the management at the Golden Temple faced an extra financial burden of Rs 10 crore annually on account of the GST, which in turn would affect langar, karah prashad and other services being provided by the SGPC. “We may have to shut down several schools and colleges being run by the committee,” Badungar said.

He questioned GST exemption on liquor, diesel and petrol. Badungar also criticised the state government for removing a chapter based on the life of Guru Teg Bahadur from the school curriculum. He said, “It was unfortunate that a chapter based on Guru Teg Bahadur has been removed. We appeal to the CM to review its decision and reintroduce the chapter.”