Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announces the initiation of voter registration and list correction for SGPC Polls 

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann took to Twitter to share the eagerly awaited news regarding the Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee (SGPC) elections. He announced that the process of creating new voter lists and correcting existing ones will commence from October 21, stirring up enthusiasm among the Sikh community.

In his tweet, Chief Minister Mann stated (In Punjabi) (Roughly Translated), "Important information regarding the long awaited elections of Shiromani Gurdwara Management Committee. The process of creating new voter lists and correcting existing ones will start from October 21, and further details will be released soon.”

This development follows a report published by the Rozana Spokesperson on May 30, 2023, highlighting the initiation of efforts for the SGPC elections. Gurdwara Chief Commissioner, Gurdwara Commission Elections, Justice SS, had issued letters directing the preparation of voter lists. These letters were sent to various authorities, including the Chief Secretary of the Punjab Government and the Deputy Commissioners of Punjab, to initiate the voter list preparation.

Eligibility for voters has been specified, allowing any Sikh aged 21 and above to register as a voter in these elections. The regulations emphasize that voters must be practicing Sikhs with valid proof of identity, and they should not have any criminal cases or engage in activities such as consuming beedi or tobacco.

Regarding the SGPC, a total of 170 members are elected, while 15 members are nominated. The remaining members are Singh Sahibs who do not possess voting rights. The term for these elections was initially until 2021, originating from the recognition of the committee by the Supreme Court on September 15, 2016. However, the recent developments have reignited the election process, generating anticipation and engagement within the Sikh community.