The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has temporarily suspended the distribution of 'saroops' (scriptures) of the Guru Granth Sahib to the community and gurdwaras until May 20. This decision follows changes in rules governing their publication and distribution, prompted by the Punjab government's passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026.
Key Changes in Distribution
SGPC secretary Balwinder Singh Kahlwan announced that the committee, through its publication department at Gurdwara Sri Ramsar Sahib, prints the Guru Granth Sahib with 'maryada' (code of conduct) and supplies it globally based on demand. The process involves verification by preachers of SGPC's dharam prachar committee and recommendations from an SGPC member. While records of all saroops were maintained earlier, a revised system with new guidelines is being introduced. Until the policy is fully implemented, no saroops will be issued, and distribution will resume after May 20.
Digital Tracking System
As part of the overhaul, SGPC is developing a digital-tracking system. Details of every saroop issued, including recipient identity, photographs, and location, will be recorded and uploaded online. Printing will now be strictly demand-based, and applicants may face waiting periods. Each recipient will receive a certificate, with a duplicate retained by SGPC, and a permanent digital record stored on its servers with a unique ID.
The certificate will also outline guidelines on proper care and 'satkar' (respect) of the Guru Granth Sahib. Recipients will be required to formally pledge responsibility.
Restrictions and Centralisation
Reiterating a 2013 directive of the Akal Takht, Kahlwan stated that saroops will not be provided for akhand path at graves, memorials, or ancestral shrines. Gurdwara committees will be held accountable for ensuring compliance. He added that the process will now be centralised, with all saroops supplied only from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhavan at Gurdwara Sri Ramsar Sahib, Amritsar. Distribution from Takht Sahibs and other historic gurdwaras will cease.
