SGPC sacks Jaito gurdwara manager, three employees

TEAM WAS FORMED BY SGPC CHIEF BIBI JAGIR KAUR AFTER PEOPLE RESIDING NEAR THE GURDWARA LODGED A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE STAFF

AMRITSAR: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) on Wednesday dismissed its four employees for “unethical” conduct during duty hours at the historic Gurdwara Gangsar Sahib in Faridkot’s Jaito town.

The action was taken after a team led by apex gurdwara body’s junior vice-president Baba Buta Singh and executive committee member Navtej Singh submitted its report. The team was formed by SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur after people residing near the gurdwara lodged a complaint against the staff members.

Those who have been sacked are gurdwara manager Kulwinder Singh, clerk Sukhmandar Singh and sewadars Gurbaj Singh and Lakhbir Singh. The SGPC has also transferred other staff members of the gurdwara.

According to sources, Sukhmandar and Gurbaj were found to be involved in “immoral acts” in the gurdwara premises on June 7. On Wednesday, the SGPC team visited the gurdwara and found some objectionable material, including empty bottles of beer and chicken bones, in the historic well. Sources said the four were also found to be involved in prostitution.

“These employees, who have brought defamation to the management, have been sacked with immediate effect,” said Bibi Jagir Kaur, adding that any kind of negligence in the management of gurdwaras and misconduct by employees cannot be tolerated.

The SGPC chief said a case has been filed against the accused employees at the Jaito police station and strict action has been sought against them. She asked other employees working under the SGPC management to perform their duties while following the Sikh code and principles.