Amid PTC head's challenge, Punjab Assembly approves 'free' Gurbani telecast
What's the story
Claiming to make Gurbani "free for all," the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed the Sikh Gurdwaras (Amendment) Bill, 2023, thus ensuring the free broadcast of Gurbani from the Golden Temple. However, Rabindra Narayan, managing director and president of G Next Media, which operates the PTC Network channels, questioned the Punjab government's claim, stating that Gurbani was "already free."
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), approved a proposal to amend the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, on Monday. The decision was met with criticism, with opposition parties accusing the government of making alleged hollow changes for image management. Notably, PTC Network has exclusive rights to telecast Gurbani, while the amendment makes it available to all media houses free of charge.
Twitter Post
Rs. 1 crore reward for proving Gurbani was chargeable: Narayan
GURBANI IS ALREADY FREE. All PTC Network channels are designated as FREE TO AIR channels by Government of India. No cable operator, DTH operator charges any money. It is also available for free on YouTube and Facebook. So how are they claiming to make Gurbani Free To Air? We… pic.twitter.com/IEYNuuPnke
— Rabindra Narayan (@RabindraPTC) June 20, 2023
Bill
SAD legislators opposed Bill
The Bill was passed in the Punjab Assembly amid opposition from the legislators of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). AAP legislators said it is the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee's (SGPC) duty to propagate Gurbani. Narayan earlier announced a reward of Rs. 1 crore, challenging the Punjab cabinet or anyone else to show any customer who had paid a subscription fee for Gurbani.
Details
PTC Network had Gurbani's telecast rights since 2007
Notably, Sri Harmandir Sahib, or the Golden Temple, has been broadcasting Gurbani in the morning and evening since 1998. The broadcasting rights have been with the PTC Network, owned by the politically powerful Badal family of the SAD, since 2007. The network pays Rs. 2 crore to SGPC annually. The AAP government's move is likely to dilute the Panthic domination of the SAD.
Contract
PTC Network's contract with SGPC expires next month
Incidentally, SGPC's and PTC Network's contract expires in July 2023. PTC Network reportedly spends Rs. 10-12 crore on coverage and telecasts of Gurbani and also has a dedicated program for SGPC's events every week. Meanwhile, the SAD and its allies argued that the Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925 is a central government act and can't be amended by the state.