SGPC chief secy steps down

Fatehgarh Sahib : Chief secretary, SGPC, Harcharan Singh (73) today submitted his resignation, which was accepted during an executive body meeting at Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. According to sources, Harcharan Singh has cited domestic reasons for his resignation, yet the exact reason for the resignation by the former banker is still not know. The sources said there was resentment among a group of SGPC members against the alleged dictatorial style of functioning of Harcharan Singh. However, he would continue to hold the position till July 31.
Accepting the resignation, SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar lauded Harcharan Singh’s work as the chief secretary. Harcharan was appointed on August 27, 2015, for a three-year term. Many committee members and prominent leaders had opposed his appointment at a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. The appointment came under scanner when a petition was filed in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by the president of a registered welfare society. The case has been pending since October 5, 2015. Later, during an executive body meeting which focused on terminating the services of those employees who had attained 60 years of age, he had volunteered to forego 65 per cent (Rs 2 lakh) and agreed to work for Rs 1 lakh per month.