The Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023 was approved by the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday to guarantee free broadcast of “Gurbani” from the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The term “Gurbani” is frequently used by Sikhs to describe a variety of writings by the Sikh Gurus and other authors of the Guru Granth Sahib.The Bill was brought up for consideration immediately after the proposal. The British-era Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925 was modified on Monday by the Punjab Cabinet to ensure free-to-air transmission of Gurbani from Amritsars Golden Temple.Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann informed through his social media account that, “In the new act, the LIVE telecast of the divine Gurbani from Sri Harimandir Sahib will be FREE for all. No tender will be required.”Big Announcement by CM @BhagwantMann▶️ Punjab Govt to make a new Act on the broadcast of Gurbani from Sri Harimandir Sahib▶️ In the new act, the LIVE telecast of the divine Gurbani from Sri Harimandir Sahib will be FREE for allNO TENDER WILL BE REQUIRED pic.twitter.com/ObiXAEAORq— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) June 19, 2023According to the information, the measure aims at eliminating the monopoly of transmission rights held by Badal-owned TV station. The Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Act, 2023 would make it possible to eliminate the excessive control of preachers.This modification adds Section 125A to the Act, which gives the SGPC responsibility for ensuring the free-to-air live transmission of Gurbani from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.Currently, PTC, a private station frequently connected to the Badal family of the Shiromani Akali Dal, broadcasts Gurbani from the Sikh temple.The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the highest-ranking Sikh religious authority, has objected to the Punjab governments decision, arguing that the 1925 Act is a piece of federal law that can only be changed by Parliament.
