Amritsar, August 1: The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has strongly condemned the Government of India’s decision to impose GST (Goods & Service Tax) on the sarais (inn) associated with Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib.
SGPC assistant secretary media S. Kulwinder Singh Ramdas said that this decision of the Government of India is highly condemnable, and this anti-Sangat decision should be withdrawn immediately.
He said lakhs of pilgrims from across the world visit to pay obeisance at Sachkhand Sri Harmandar Sahib every day, the Sikh body had made arrangements for their stay.
“But sadly, the Government of India has put an additional burden on the Sangat by imposing GST on the sarais”, said S. Kulwinder Singh.
He said that the SGPC uses the offerings made by the Sangat for the management of Gurdwara Sahibs and for the convenience of the Sangat. Moreover, from time to time, the Sikh body under its principle of public welfare also remains at the forefront by providing humanitarian assistance during natural calamities.
The sarais prepared by the SGPC for the convenience of the pilgrims arriving at the Gurdwaras are not commercial; therefore, any kind of tax on them is government’s injustice.