CM Jagan announces several sops to Sikh community in AP

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has assured the Sikh community that the state government would establish an exclusive corporation for their development.

He also promised to announce a holiday on Guru Nanak Jayanthi, honorariums to Grandhis (priests) working in Gurudwaras, cancellation of property tax to Gurudwaras and provision of Navaratnalu schemes to eligible Sikhs.

A delegation of Sikhs led by Andhra Pradesh state minorities commission member Jithendarjith Singh called on the chief minister at his camp office here on Monday.

The delegation told the CM that they have been staying in various parts of the state for many decades and receiving the benefits of several government schemes through the village and ward secretariats. But, they would urge the government to constitute a corporation for Sikhs and their affiliated communities for effective implementation of the Navaratnalu.

Jagan Reddy promptly gave his nod for constituting a committee for Sikhs.

On the request to exempt Gurdwaras from property tax, the CM asked officials to do this immediately. Orders were also issued to the officials to provide benefits for Granthis (Priest for a Gurudwara) on par with the priests, pastors and Imams.

The CM agreed to declare Guru Nanak Jayanthi as a holiday on Kartika Pournami and said he would provide all necessary support to establish a minority educational institution. A resolution in this regard would be passed in the next cabinet meeting. All measures should be taken to increase the businesses of MSMEs run by various social groups and all the proposals should be decided on within ten days, he said.

Minority Welfare Secretary Md Imtiaz and officials from CMO were also present.