Centre allows Golden Temple to accept foreign donations for first time

NEW DELHI: The home ministry has granted a licence to Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib -- popularly known as ‘Golden Temple’ based at Amritsar — to receive foreign donations. The association has, since its creation in 1925, offered free 'langar' to devotees and public; extended financial assistance to the poor, needy, students and medical patients; and assisted with disaster relief with the domestic donations received by it. Now, with its registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, it can also receive contributions from Sikh devotees and others across the world for these objectives.
Home minister Amit Shah on Thursday termed the registration of Sri Harmandir Sahib under FCRA as a "pathbreaking" decision.
"Sri Darbar Sahib’s divinity gives strength to us. For decades, the Sangat worldwide was unable to serve there. Modi government’s decision to allow FCRA (licence) to the Sri Harmandir Sahib deepens the connect of Seva between the Sangat globally and the Sri Darbar Sahib. A blessed moment!”, he tweeted.

He further added: "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is blessed that Wahe Guru ji has taken Seva from him. The decision on FCRA at the Sri Harmandir Sahib is a pathbreaking one which will once again showcase the outstanding spirit of service of our Sikh sisters and brothers”.

A home ministry release said Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, Punjab, had applied for registration under FCRA on May 27, 2020. The application was examined in accordance with provisions laid down in FCRA and Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011 and all documents submitted with the application as well as inputs received from relevant quarters were found to be in order. On Thursday, the decision to register it as an association of "religious nature" under FCRA, was communicated by MHA.
The registration shall remain valid for 5 years, after which it can be renewed.
Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, was created under the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925 with objectives to offer free Langar to public/devotees round the clock, financial help to poor and needy, students, financial assistance for medical treatment to needy persons and offering services during natural disasters.