CHANDIGARH (Gurpreet Singh): In a landmark decision that is expected to hold deep cultural and historical significance, the Punjab government is preparing to announce Anandpur Sahib as the 24th district of the state. The move, which will coincide with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur on November 24, aims to honor the revered Sikh Guru’s supreme sacrifice and his legacy.
Sources within the Punjab government have confirmed that the announcement will be made during a special Assembly session planned for November 24, the date which marks the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who stood for religious freedom and human rights. Anandpur Sahib, located in the Ropar district, is considered one of the most sacred sites in Sikhism, being the birthplace of the Khalsa, founded by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
A Major Administrative Shift
The new district will be carved out of Ropar district, which currently includes the town of Anandpur Sahib. Once created, it is expected to have its own administrative infrastructure, including government offices, which could cost the state around Rs 500 crore. This budget will cover the establishment of district headquarters, official buildings, and the necessary public facilities.
In addition, the newly established district will also incur operational costs, including the salaries of district employees, estimated to be more than Rs 18 crore per month. This comes at a time when the state is still recovering from the impacts of recent natural disasters, adding an element of financial strain to the proposal.
Exploring Possible Changes to Boundaries
While the boundaries of the new district have not been finalized, sources suggest that the region may also incorporate Garhshankar, a town in Hoshiarpur district, which is part of the Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency. The addition of Garhshankar is still under discussion, with some residents from this area expressing concerns about the increased travel distance to Anandpur Sahib. “Garhshankar has better road links to Hoshiarpur, so it remains to be seen how the government addresses this issue,” said one local official.
Anandpur Sahib, already a major pilgrimage site, is home to Takht Keshgarh Sahib, one of Sikhism’s five sacred seats of authority. The town is also known for hosting the Hola Mohalla festival, a vibrant display of Sikh martial arts and valor, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors each year. The creation of a separate district for Anandpur Sahib would thus elevate its importance within the state and strengthen its administrative presence.
Political and Financial Implications
The move to establish Anandpur Sahib as a district has raised several questions, especially regarding the financial burden on the state. The Punjab government is already facing a challenging fiscal situation, with expenditures rising due to natural disasters and the ongoing recovery efforts. Some critics argue that this announcement may be a politically motivated gesture aimed at strengthening the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) appeal among Sikh voters, especially in light of the significant role Anandpur Sahib plays in Sikh history.
“There is no doubt that the creation of Anandpur Sahib as a district will be seen as a strong symbolic gesture by the AAP-led government, especially ahead of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. However, the real question remains whether such administrative changes will translate into tangible benefits for the people of this region,” remarked a political analyst.
The government’s move is also reminiscent of the Congress-led government’s decision to carve out Malerkotla as the 23rd district in 2021. Despite the creation of Malerkotla district, the Congress was unable to secure victory in the subsequent elections from the newly created district. The AAP won both the Malerkotla and Amargarh Assembly seats, raising questions about the effectiveness of such decisions in influencing electoral outcomes.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Regardless of the political discussions, the announcement holds undeniable cultural and spiritual significance. Anandpur Sahib is the birthplace of the Khalsa and remains a symbol of Sikh identity and pride. With Takht Keshgarh Sahib and the rich historical backdrop of the town, many see the creation of a new district as an appropriate tribute to the memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur, who laid down his life for the protection of religious freedoms.
As the 350th martyrdom anniversary approaches, this historic move by the Punjab government is expected to resonate deeply with the Sikh community, reinforcing the state’s commitment to preserving and honoring Sikh history and culture.
Looking Ahead
The announcement, which will come in the final weeks of the year, could have far-reaching implications for the administration of Punjab. It will be important to watch how the logistical and financial challenges of creating a new district are managed. Whether or not it leads to better governance or more political dividends for the AAP remains uncertain, but for now, the people of Anandpur Sahib are preparing to witness a historic moment that may forever change the administrative landscape of the region.
