AMRITSAR — In a significant move to reinforce religious and institutional discipline, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has formally prohibited its employees from wearing Western-style clothing, including pants and shirts, during official duty hours. This directive, issued by SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, mandates that all staff members strictly adhere to a traditional dress code consisting of a kurta-pyjama and a turban to maintain the spiritual decorum and distinct identity of the organization.
The enforcement follows a recent high-level meeting where approximately 20 employees, including managers and accountants, appeared in suits, trousers, and jeans. Taking a stern view of this violation, President Dhami penalized each of the offending staff members with a fine of ₹2,100, which must be deposited into the Guru ki Golak (charity box). The SGPC leadership emphasized that as an institution responsible for managing Sikh shrines, its personnel must lead by example and be easily identifiable to the millions of devotees who visit the holy sites daily.
Under the new administrative guidelines, the mandatory uniform for male employees is a traditional kurta-pyjama with a navy blue or black turban. While a previously existing policy already required this attire, the latest crackdown signals a shift toward zero tolerance for non-compliance. The committee stated that Western outfits like suits and “pant-shirts” are inconsistent with the historical and cultural values of the Sikh institution. Furthermore, the use of identification badges has been made compulsory alongside the dress code to streamline management and enhance security within the Gurdwara premises.
The move has been welcomed by many traditionalists who believe it preserves the sanctity of the religious administrative environment. However, the committee has also faced questions regarding the sudden intensity of the enforcement. President Dhami defended the decision, noting that maintaining a uniform appearance is essential for institutional unity and professionalism. The SGPC, which oversees thousands of employees across various departments, has directed all branch heads to ensure that no staff member enters the office in casual or Western clothing moving forward.
