if THE DRAFTi\f

THE NEW POLICY PROGRAMME» of

.The Shiromani Akali Dal

adopted J

by its Working Committee at its meeting

held at Sri Anandpur Sahib on 16-17October, 1973 to be approved by theGeneral House of the Akali Dal at itsSession on 28-8-1977.

(later passed in the form of 12 Resolutions)

Giani Ajmer SinghSecretary,

1.8.1 977 Shiromani Akali Dal

r\ the Panth Prevail

Educational Targets of the Khalsa Panth j

The Shiromani Akali Dal aims at grooming theSikhs into a strong and sturdy Notion, highly educated,fully aware of its fundamental rights, very well versed^in various arts and ever ready to honour the moreoutstanding of its sons.

The Shiromani Akali Dal regards the education-alists, scientists, Philosophers, poets, miters andartists of the Sikh Nation as its most prized asset.

The Shiromani Akali Dal would extend all helpto the students from rural and backward classes

higher education *

*1bis is an extract from Draft under sub-head 'Education and Culture'.

May the victory be everwith the Panth

FOREWORD

The Shiromani Akali Dal undoubtedly, is agreat organisation whose coming into existence hasbeen a matter of pride for the Sikhs. Its entire historyis a glorious record of struggles and agitations,victories and achievements of which it can be justlyproud of. The past record of the party vouchsafesthat whosoever has ever tried to confront it, he didhave to perish ultimately. The most momentous partplayed by it in the Freedom Struggle of the countrywould ever form an indelible part of history writtenin letters of gold.

Shiromani Akali Dal has been guiding theSikhs according to exigencies of the situation for theirrights and for a respectable status in the set-up of thecountry. Its objective has been exaltation of theSikh Panth and for the achievement of this loftyideal Shiromani Akali Dal has been adopting differentand varied means.

Keeping in v_igw_the_jinti-Sikh policies ofjtheCongress government and the political, ~ social andeconomies'" conditions pulsating in the country, the^Shiromani Akali Dal, has decided to redraw the aimsand objectives of the Sikh Panth and to give a morevigorous lead for their achievement so that by sodoing it may .serve the larger interests of the Panth,

the'Punjab as also the Country and thus live theexpectations of the Sikhs.

For such a purpose, a sub-committee of theSikh intellectuals and thinkers .was formed by theShiromani Akali Dal at a meeting of its workingcommittee held on 11.12.1972 to draw up the draft ofa 'Policy-Programme', with the General Secretary ofthe Party, S. Surjit Singh Barnala, as its Chairman,and S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra, M.P., President Shiro-mani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, JathedarJiwan Singh Umranangal, S. Gurmit Singh ex-ministerDr. Bhagat Singh, ex-minister, S. Balwant Singh, ex-Finance Minister, S. Gian Singh Rarewala, S. PremSingh Lalpura, S. Jaswinder Singh Brar GeneralSecretary, Shiromani Akali Dal, S. Bhag Singh ex-M.L.A., Major General Gurbax Singh Badhni andS. Amar Singh Ambalvi advocate, as its members.

This Sub-Committee had eleven sittings begin-ning with the first at Amritsar, on 23-12-1972. Mostof the meetings were held at Chandigarh for itspeaceful and congenial atmosphere.

All the members of the sub-committee evincedkeen interests in its working and engaged themselvesin very interesting and useful discussions which werea treat to watch and partake of. A unanimous reportwas ultimately drawn up after very close deliberationson each and every aspect of the matters and moresubtle of their aspects. Actuated by feelings of lovefor the Sikh Panth, more of its eminent ArmyGenerals, Legal experts, Doctors, Political thinkers,experienced politicians and religious leaders joined

together to lend their helping hands to draw up thisplan for a more glorious future of the Panth. Duringtheir discussions a very happy balance of love for thePanth and the country was all too evident, as also thekeeness to safeguard the interests of the Sikhs and

the Country.When the meticulously drawn up report of

S. Surjit Singh sub-committee was presented in themeeting of the working committee of Shiromani AkalijPal held at Shri Anandpur Sahib, the sacredjjndhistoric seat of the Tenth Lord, it was approved, afterclose discussions extending over two days, for placingit before the General House.

This draft is, therefore, being sent to you toenable you to study it in depth so that meeting ofthe General House may be benefited by your valuedopinion.

With Panthic Love and regards,Yours humbly,

Office of Ajmer SinghShiromani Akali Dal, Secretary,Sri Amritsar. Shiromani Akali Dal.1. 8. 1977.

The Resolutionadopted in the light of the Anandpur SahibResolution, at the open session of the 18th all IndiaAkali Conference held at Ludhiana on 28-29 October,1978 under the Presidentship of Jathedar Jagdev SinghTalwandi are as under:

(It was after the passing of these Resolutionsthat the Shiromani Akali Dal started the struggletherefor),

Resolution No 1. ,Moved by S. Gurcharan Singh Tohra, Presi-

dent Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committeeand endorsed by S. Parkash Singh Badal, ChiefMinister, Punjab.

The Shiromani Akali Dal realizes that India isa federal and republican geographical entity of diffe-rent languages, religions and cultures. To safeguardthe fundamental rights of the religious and linguisticminorities, to fulfil the demands of the democratictraditions and to pave the way^for economic progress,it has become imperative that the IndianconstitutTonalinfra-structure should be given a real federal shape byredefining the central and state relations and rightson the lines of the aforesaid principle and objectives.

The concept of total revolution given by LokNaik, Sh. Jaya Parkash Narain is also based upon theprogressive decentralization of powers. The climaxof the process of centralization of powers of the statesthrough repeated amendments of the constitutionduring the Congress regime came before the country-men in the form of the Emergency, when all funda-

mental rights of all citizens were usurped. It wasthen that the programme of decentralization of powersever advocated by Shiromani Akali Dal was openlyaccepted and adoped by other political partiesincluding Janta Party, C.P.L (M), A.D.M.K. etc.

Shiromani Akali Dal has ever stood firm onthis principle and that is why after very carefulconsiderations it unanimously adopted a resolutionto this effect first at all India Akali Conference, Batala

. then at Sri Anandpur Sahib which has endorsed theprinciple of State autonomy in keeping with theconcept of Federalism.

As such, the Shiromani Akali Dal emphaticallyurges upon the Janta Government to take cognizanceof the different linguistic and cultural sections,religious minorities as also the voice of millions ofpeople and recast the constitutional structure of thecountry on real and meaningful federal principles toobviate the possibility of any danger to National unityand the integrity of the Country and further, toenable the states to play a useful role for the progressand prosperity of the Indian people in their respectiveareas by the meaningful exercise pf their powers.

Resolution No. 2The momentous meeting of the Shiromani

Akali Dal calls upon the Govt. of India to examinecarefully the long tale of the excesses, wrongs, illegalactions committeo^DTTrie~pfevious Congress govern-ment, more partico1a'riy~du ring Emergency7"and trytolind an early solution to th~e~ following problems:(a) Chandigarh orjginaUg_jajseAjl^^

Puflabshould be handed over to Punjab.•-j :__ — — . — - -—•—•" /

(b)

(c)

The long standing demand of the ShiromaniAkali Dal for the merger in Punjab of thePunjabi speaking _aieasi to be identified byhnguistfc experts with villagTas a unit, shouldbe conceeded.

The control of Hgad_Works should continue to__^--_-- ^.—.^. MUI.! iiiiui^ i\j

i be vested^in Punjab and, if need be, the Re-organization Act should be amended,

(d) The arbitrary and unjust Award given by Mrs.Indira Gandhi during the Emergency on the

• distribution of Ravi Beas_waters should be revised! on the universally accepted norms and principles

thereby justice be done to Punjab.j\(e) Keeping in view the special aptitude and martialu qualities of the SikhslRV"present ratio of their

(f )"should be maintained.

The excesses~being committed on the settlersin the Tarai region of U.P. in the name of LandReforms should be vacated by making suitableamendments in the ceiling Law on the Centralguide lines.

Resolution No. 3(Economic Policy Resolution)

The chief sources of inspiration of the econo-mic policies and programme of the Shiromani AkaliDal are the secular, democratic and socialisticconcepts of Sri Guru Nanak Dev and Sri GuruGobind Singh Ji. Our Economic programme is basedon three basic principles :

(a) Dignity of Labour.(b) An economic and social structure^ which

8

provides for the uplift of the poor and depre-ssed sections of society.

(c) Unabated opposition to concentration ofeconomic and political power in the hands ofthe capitalists.While drafting its economic policies and pro-

gramme, the Shiromani Akali Dal in its historicAnandpur Sahib resolution has laid particular stresson the need to break the monopolistic hold of the* • _ __

r~,— ndian economy by the 30vearsjjf Congress rule jn^India^ This capitalist holdenabled the central government "to assume all powersin its hands after the manner of Mughal Imperialism.This was bound to thwart the economic progress ofthe states and injure the social and economic interestsof the people. The Shiromani Akali Dal once againreiterates the Sikh way of life by resolving to fulfilthe holy words of Guru Nanak Dev :

**tfe~^toTTeTeaIizes the True Path who labourshonestly and sharesThe fruits of that Labour."This way of life is based upon, three basic

principles ;Doing honest laboj

(i iW Sharing the fruus_oj^this_labj(iiin Meditation on the Lord's Name.

I '1 he" Shiromani AKali Dal calls upon the centraland the State government to eradicate unemploymentduring the next ten years. While persuing this aimspecial emphasis should be laid on ameliorating thelot of the weaker sections, Scheduled and depressedclasses, workers, landless and poor farmers and urban

poor. Minimum wages should be fixed for them all.The Shiromani Akali Dal urges upon the

Punjab Government to draw up such an economicplan for the State as would turn it into the leadingprovince during the next ten years, by raising percapita income to Rs. 3000/- and by generating aneconomic growth rate of 7% per annum as against4% at National level.

The Shiromani Akali Dal gives first priority tothe redrafting of the taxationjtnactuie_in such a waythat IfieTurden of jtaxatlonls shifted from the poorto the richer classes and an equitable distribution ofNational income is ensured.

The main plank of the economic programmeof the Shiromani Akali Dal is to enable the econo-mically weaker sections of the Society to share thefruits of National income.

The Shiromani Akali Dal calls upon the centralgovernment to make an international air-field_atAmritsarwhich should also enjoy the facilities of adryjx>rt. Similarly a Stock Exchange should_h.eopened at Ludhiana to accalerate the process ofindustrialization and _ejconomie_gcoarih in the State.Ttie~ "ShiroirianTAkaii Dal also desires that suitableamendments should be made in the Foreign Exchangerules for free exchange of foreign currencies andthereby removing" the~dlfficulties being faced by theIndian emigrants.

The Shiromani Akali Dal emphatically urgesupon the Indian Government to bring a parity bet-ween the prices of the agricultural producelmcUhat

10

<b

of the industrial raw materials so that the discrimi-nation against such states which lack these materialsmay be removed.

The Shiromani Akali Dal demands that theexploitation of the producers of the cash crops likecotton, sugarcane, oil seeds etc. at the hands of thetraders should be stopped forthwith and for such apurpose arrangements for the purchase of these cropsby the government, at remunerative prices, shoujdbe made. Besides, effective steps should be taken

. by the government for the purchase of cotton throughthe Cotton Corporation.

The Shiromani Akali Dal strongly feels thatthe most pressing National problem is the need toameliorate the lot of millions of exploited personsbelonging to the scheduled classes. For such a pur^pose the Shiromani Akali Dal calls upon the Centraland State Governments to earmark special funds.Besides, the State government should allot sufficientfunds in their respective budgets for giving free resi-dential plots both in the urban &_rural areas tothescheduled castes.

The Shiromani Akali Dal also calls for therapid diversification of farming. The shortcomingsin the Land Reforms Laws should be removed, rapid

^industrializatign_jofthe_State ensured^the credit faci-lities for the medium industries expanded and unem-pToyrrierit~~allowance given to those who are unem-ployed. For remunerative farming, perceptible redu-ction should be made in the prices of farm machinery.like tractors, tubewellsjis jilso_.tlie inputs etc.

* 11

Resolution No. 4This huge session of the Shiromani Akali Dal

regrets the discrimination to which the Punjabi langu-age is being subjected in the adjoining States ofHimachal, Haryana. Delhi_ and Jammu & Kashmiretc! It is its firm demand that in accordance withuieNehru Language Formula, the neighbouring States ofPunjab should be 'given secgjidMajjgu^ge^^mus^to^hePunjabilangua^e_ because aHfairly large sections oftheir respective population are of Punjabi speaking.

Resolution No. 5The meeting regrets that against the 'claims' of

the refugees who had migrated to Jammu & Kashmiras a result of the partition of the country, no compen-sation has been provided to_them_eyen_after .such.along time and these unfortunate refugees are rottingin the camps ever since then.

This Akali Dal Session, therefore, forcefullydemands that their claims should be soon settled andimmediate steps should be taken to rehabilitate themeven if it involves an amendment in section 370.

Resolution No. 6The 18th session of the All India Akali Confe-

rence takes strong exceptions to the discrimination towhich the minorities in other states are being subjectedand the way in which their interests are being ignored.

As such, it demands that injustice against theSikhs in other states should be vacated and properrepresentation should be given to them in the govern-ment service, Local Bodies, state legislatures, throughnomination, if need be.

12

Resolution No. 7The 18th session of the All India Akali Con-

ference notes with satisfaction that machanizationof farming in the country has led to increase in thefarm yield and as a result the country is headingtowards self-sufficiency.

However, the session feels that poor farmersare unable to take to machanization because of theenormity of the cost involved.

As such, the Shiromani Akali Dal urgesupon the Govt. of India to abolish the excise dutY-ontractors so that with the decrease in their prices theordinary farmers may also be able to avail of farmmachinery and contribute to the growth of grossagricultural produce of the Country.

Resolution No. 8The meeting of the Shiromani Akali Dal

appeals to the Central and state governmentsjo j>ayparticular attention to the poor and labouring classesand demands that besides making suitable amend-ments in the Minimum Wages Act, suitable legalsteps should be taken to improve the economic lotof the labouring class to enable it to lead a respect-able life and play a useful role in the rapid industri-alization of the country.

TfKj»_ . Resolution No. 9This session seeks permission from the govern-

ment of India to instal a broadcasting station atGolden Temple, Amritsar, for the"~relay oT 'GurbaniKirtan' lor the spiritual satisfaction of thosejikhswho are livmgTn foreign lands!

13

The session wishes to make it clear that theentire cost of the proposed Broadcasting Projectwould be borne by the Khalsa Panth and its over-allcontrol shall vast with the Indian government. Wehave every hope that the government would have nohesitation in conceding this demand after due con-sideration.

Resolution No. 10The huge Session of the Shiromani Akali Dal

strongly urges upon the Govt. of India to makenecessary amendments in the following enactmentsfor the benefits of the agricultural classes who havetoiled hard for the larger National interests :

1. By suitable amendment in the relevantclause of the Hindu Succesion Act a women shouldbe given rights of inheritance in the properties of herfather-in-law instead of the father's.

2. The agricultural lands of the farmers shouldbe completely exempted from the Wealth Tax andthe Estate Dut>. ~ "

Resolution No. 11

The vast Session of the Shiromani Akali Dalstrongly impresses upon the Govt. of India thatkeeping in view the economic backwardness of thescheduled and non-scheduled castes provisions pro-portionate to their population should be made in thebudget for utalization for their welfare. A specialministry should be createcLat HIP: centra as a practicalmeasure^tp reMerjustice to_Jhenx_pn thf; basis ofreservation,

-M

The Session also calls upon the governmentthat in keeping with the settlement already no dis-crimination should be made between the Sikh and!Hindu Harijans in any part of the Country.

Resolution No. 12The Congress government is called upon to

vacate the gross injustice, discrimination done toPunjab in the distribution of Ravi-Beas waters. Thecentral government must also give approval for theimmediate establishment of six sugar and four textile-mills in Punjab so that the state may be able toimplement its agro-industrial policy.

2. To preserve and keep alive the concept of distinctand independent identity of the Panth and tocreat an environment in which national senti-ments and aspirations of the Sikh Panth willfind full expression, satisfaction and growth.

Basic Postulates of the Shiromani Akali Dalas adopted by the working committee of the

Shiromani Akali Dal at its meeting held at Sri Anand-pur Sahib on 16-17 October, 1973.

(A) Postulates1. The Shiromani Akali Dal is the very embodi-

ment of the hopes and aspirations of the SikhNation and as such is fully entitled to itsrepresentation. The basic postulates of thisorganization are Human_ Co-existence, Humannrogress and ultimate unity of all Human beings

2. These postulates are based upon the three greatprinciples of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, namely, aMeditation _on God's Name, dignity of labourana snaring of fruits of this Labour.(Nam Japo, K.irat Karo, Wand Chhako)

(B) PurposesThe Shiromani Akali Dal shall ever strive to

achieve the following aims :1. Propagation of Sikhism and its code of conduct t

denounciation of atheism.

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Erdication of Poverty and Starvation, by incre^"ased production and more equitable distributionof wealth and the establishment of a just socialorder sans any exploitation.

Vacation of discrimination on the basic of caste,creed or illiteracy in keeping with basic principlesof Sikhism.

Striving for the removal of diseases and ill-health;denouncement of use of intoxicants and enlarge-ment of facilities for physical wellbeing toprepare and enthuse the Nation for the Nationaldefence.

First Part

The Shiromani Akali Dal considers it its primaryduty to inculcate among the Sikhs, religious fervourand a pride in their rich religious heritage for whichit proposes to persue the following programme :(a) Reitration of the concept of the unicity

(Oneness) of God, meditation on His Namerecitation of Gurbani, renewal of faith in the tenHoly Sikh Gurus and the Holy Sri Guru GranthSahib and other appropriate measures for sucha purpose.

(b) Grooming accomplished preachers, Ragis,Dhadis and poets in the Sikhs Missionary Collegefor a more effective propagation of Sikhism,Sikh Philosophy, belief in Sikh code of conductand Kirtan etc., at home and abroad, in schoolsand colleges, in villages and in cities as indeedat every place.

(c) Baptising the Sikhs (Amrit Parchar) on a vastscale, with porticular emphasis -on Schools andColleges of which the teachers and the taughtshall be enthused through regular study circles.

(d) Reinculcate the religious practice of 'DASWAND'among the Sikhs. (Giving one tenth nf fme'searnings for the welfare of the Community.).

(e) Generating feelings of respect for the Sikhintellectuals, writers, Preachers, Granthis, etc.,who also in turn, would be enthused to improve

18

0

'

upon their accomplishments while conformingto the basic Sikh tenets and traditions.

(f) Streamlining the Gurdwaras administration bygiving better training to their workers. Appro-priate steps would also be taken to maintainGurdwara buildings in proper condition. For5uch a purpose, the party representatives in theShirornani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committeeand local Committees would be directed time totime to pull their weight.

(g) Making appropriate arrangements for the error-free publication of Gurbani; promoting researchwork in the ancient and modern Sikh history asalso it publication; rendering Gurbani in otherlanguages and producing first rate literature onSikhism.

(h) Taking appropriate steps for the enactment of anAll India Gurdwara Act with a view to introduceimprovements in the administration of the Gur-dwaras throughout the Country and to reintegratethe traditional preaching sects of Sikhism like

, Udasis and Nirmalas with the mainstream of^iKmsni without in any way encroaching on the

properties of their respective individual 'maths*.Taking such steps as may be necessary to bringthe Sikh Gurdwaras all over the world under asingle system of administration with a view to runthem according to the basic Sikh norms and topool their sources for the dissemination of Sikh-ism on a wider and more impressive scale.

(j) Striving for free access to all those holy Sikh

19

I .I Shrines, including Nankana Sahib from whichthe Sikh Panth has been separated, for pilgrimageand proper upkeep.

Political GoalThe political goal of the Panth, without doubt,

is enshrined in the commandments of the Tenth Lord,in the pages of the Sikh history and in the very heartof the Khalsa Panth, the ultimate objective of whichis the pre-eminence of the Khalsa.

The fundamental policy of the Shiromani Akali^jDal is to seek the realization of this birth right |of theKhalsa through creation of congenial environment anda political set up.

For Attainment of this AimJ. The Shiromani Akali Dal is determined to strive

by all possible means to :(a) Have all those Punjabi speaking areas,

deliberately kept out of Punjab, such asDalhousie in Gurdaspur District; Chandigarh;Pinjore-Kalka and Ambala Sadar etc.,in Ambala District; the entire Una tehsil ofHoshiarpur District; the 'Desh' area ofNalagarh; Shahabad and Gulha blocks ofKarnal District. Tohana Sub-Tehsil, Ratiablock and Sirsa tehsil of Hissar District asix tehsils of Ganganagar District in Rajas-than; merged with Punjab to constitute asingle administrative unit where the interestsof Sikhs and Sikhism are specificallyprotected.

(b) In this new Punjab and in other States the

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"•;

• I!

i

. •• -centre's interference would be restricted to''i*1.'.*. --• Defence. Foreign relations, currency and&*i# I'.C^eneral communications all other departmentstefii.-.•';., would be in the jurisdiction of Punjab (and•'i^ " . . . other states) which would be fully entitled• • , '.' , to frame own Laws on these Subjects forji.*i.^ '),i. administration. For the above departmentsv v i f i : of the Centre, Punjab and other States. ,; ' , • - • • contribute in proportion to representation in

; the Parliament.; . (CJ The Sikhs and other religious minorities; : , - living out of Punjab should be adequately-" ' protected against any kind of discrimination.

The Shiromani Akali Dal would also endeavourto have the Indian Constitution recast on real

, federal principles, with equal representation attEe centre ror all tfie States.

'he Shiromani Akali Dal strongly denounces theforeign policy of India framed by the Congressparty. It is worthless, hopeless and highly detri-mental to the interest of the Country, the Nation

; and the Mankind at large. Shiromaui Akali Dal' T shall extend its support only to that foreign policy

' '' of India which is based on the principles _of• ~ peace and National interests. It strongly advocates

"fei'-a policy of peace with all nei^hbourin^ countries' especially those inhabited by the Sikhs and their

^U* sacred shrines. The Akali Dal is of the firm viewux-:. that our foreign policy should in no case play; • second fiddle to that of any other country.

• ̂- 4, The Shiromani Akali Dal shall raise its firm voice

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2.

3.

5.

6.

7.

against and discrimination against any Sikh (oreven other) employees of the Central or StateGovernments. The Shiromani Akali' Dal shallalso endeavour to maintain the 'traditionalposition of the Sikhs in all the wings of thedefence department and the Panth would payparticular attention to the needs of the SikhArmymen. The Shiromani Akali Dal would alsosee that 'kirpan' is accepted as an integral partof the Uniform of the Sikhs in Army,It shall be the primary duty of the ShiromaniAkali Dal to help rehabilitate the ex-servicemenof the Defence Department in the Civil life andor such a purpose it would extend them everyhelp to enable them to organize themselves sothat they are able to raise their voice in aneffective way for gaining adequate concessionsand proper safeguards for a life of self-respeetand dignity.

The Shiromani Akali Dal is of the firm opinionthat all those persons males or females-who havenot been convicted of any criminal offence by•a court of law should be at liberty to possess'all -types of small arms,fljstojs. rifles, carbines_ctc.. without any [jcence.the only obligationJi&ing their registration.

The Shiroraani Akali Dal seeks ban on the saleof liquor and other intoxicants and shall pressfor prohibition on the consumption of intoxi-cants and smoking on public places. ^

*K\

22

The Economic Policy and Programme of theShiromani Akali Dal

asadobtedby its Working Committee on \lthOctober, 1973 at its meeting held at Sri AnandpurSahib:

Although the mainstay of the India economyis agriculture and all those political powers whoclaim to raise social structure on the basis of justicecannot afford to ignore this fact, yet this a hard factthat the levers of economic powers, continue to bein the levers of economic powers, continue to be inthe hands of big traders, capitalists and monopolists.Some marginal benefits might have accrued to otherclasses, but the real benefits of economic growth havebeen reaped by these categories during the last 26years after Independence. The political power hasalso been misappropriated by these classes whichare wielding the same for their own benefits. As such,any peaceful attempt to usher in a new era of socialjustice would have to break the economic andpolitical strongholds of these categories of people.

The Shiromani Akali Dal strongly advocatesthat the growing gulf between the rich and poor,in theurban and rural areas both should be abridged but,it is of the firm opinion that, for such a purpose, thefirst assault would have to be made on the classeswho have assumed all the reins of economic power

23

in their hands. In rural areas the Akali Dal deter-mined to help the weaker classes, like the scheduledcastes, backward classes, land less tenants, ordinarylaboures, poor and middle class farmers. For sucha purpose, it stands for meaningful land reformswhich envisage a ceiling of 30 standard acres and thedistribution of excess land ampi jgrs".

'j'he motto of Shiromani Akali Dal is to provideemployment for all, requisite food and clothing forall, a nouse to live in, suitable transport and to createfflCans to fulfil all those : of a civilized lifewithout which life appears incomplete.

•*" As sucn, the economic policy of the ShiromaniAkali Dal shall endeavour to achieve the followingobjectives :

Agriculture SectorDuring recent years the agriculture sector has

witnessed land reforms and green revolution. TheShiromani Akali Dal undertakes to enrich the greenrevolution by an increase in yield per acre. It shallalso ensure perceptible improvement in the standardof living of all rural classes, more particularly of thepoor and the middle class farmers, as also the land-less labourers. For such a purpose it plans to workon the following lines :(a) Introducing land reforms and measures for

increasing agricultural production with a view toremove the growing gap between the rich andthe poor. For such a purpose the existing legis-lation on land ceiling would have to be revisedand a firm ceiling of 30 standard acres per family

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(b)

would have to be enforced with proprietory rightsto the actual tillers. The excess land would bedistributed among the landless tenants and poorfarmers, while the cultivable government landlying unused shall be distributed among the land-less classes especially the scheduled castes andtribes. •Vhile distributing such lands the interestsof Hanjan and Landless labourers would byparticularly taken care of. The Akali Dal wouldalso co'nsider the possibilities of allowing thetenants to service loans by mortgaging land undertheir plough, as also prohibiting the scheduledcastes tribes 'and backward classes from mortga-ging the land distributed among them.The Shiromoni Akali Dal Shall work for themodernization of /arming and would also try toenable the middle class and poor farmers to seekloans and inputs made available by differentagencies.The Shiromani Akali Dal shall try to fix theprices of the agricultural produce on the basisof the returns of the middle class farmers. Suchprices would be notified well before the sowingseason and only the State governments would beempowered to fix such prices.

(d) The Shiromani Akali Dal stands for completenationalization of the trade in foodgrains and assuch, shall endeavour to nationalize the wholesaletrade in foodgrains through the establishment ofstate agencies.

(e) The Shiromani Akali Dal strongly opposes the

25

(c)

demecation of food zones and the attendantrestrictions on the movements of foodgrains.The whole country should be the Single foodzone.The party shall make special efforts to bring the

Thein Dam and the Bhatinda Thermal plant to a- speedy completion so that increased ^nd cheaper' power and irrigation facilities are available. Decsure

efforts would be made for the establishment of anAtomic power station in the State.

Co-operative societies would be set up in therural areas. In all those areas where canal water isnot available small irrigation projects would be takenin hand.

Industrial SectorThe Shiromani Akali Dal strongly advocates that

all Key industries should be brought under the publicsector.

It is of the opinion that basic consumer industriesshould be immediately nationalized to staballize theprices of the consumer goods and to save the poorconsumer from exploitation at the hands of theindustrialists and the middleman.

The public Sector industries should be establishedin such a way that the imbalance between differentstates is removed.

A planned effort to establish agro-industries inthe rural areas should be made to relieve the growingpopulation pressure in the urban areas. The indus-trial management should be democratized by enablingthe workers to have a say in the management and

26

by fair distribution of profits between the Industrialistsand the workers. The credit agencies, especially thenationalized banks, should be directed to invest afixed ratio of their deposits in the rural areas. Everyindustrial un^j beyond worth one crore assets shouldbe brought uhder the public sector. The Akali Dalstands for pr^ressive nationalization of Transport,

The Public Sector units should be fullyautonomous • and manned by competent youngexecutive drawn from a central pool of talent.

Economic PolicyThe Shiromani Akali Dal demands that the

whole tax structure be revised in such a way that theevasion of taxes and the flow of black money iscompletely eradicated. It stands for a simple andstraight-forward system of taxation. The presentinfra-structure of taxation weighs heavily against thepoor and enables the rich to by pass it. The partystands for a more realistic policy in this respect sothat the black money running a parallel economymay be usefully employed.

Workers. Middle Class Employees andAgricultural Labour

For their benefits the Shiromani Akali Dalwould try its best:

1. To fix need based wages for industrial workers,2. To bring progressive improvment.. in , the

standard of living of government employees.3. To re-assess the minimum wages of agricultural

labour and to effect necessary improvements, ifand when necessary.

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4, To remove the luxcunae in the Labour long toensure a fair standard of living for the them.

5. To take necessary steps to provide roofedaccommodation for the rural and urban poor.

Unemployment »

The Shiromani Akali Dal staids foi _ fullemployment in the country. For suchwa purpose itis of the firm opinion that the Govt. must provideimmediate employment to the educated and trainedicrsons, otherwise reasonable unemployment

allowance should be paid to them. This amountshould be shared by the centre and the state govern-ment. The minimum rates of such an allowanceshould be as under :1. Matric and or trained hands Rs. 50/- per months2.3.4.

*5.

Rs. 751-Rs. 100/-Rs. 150/-Rs. 50/-

B.A.M.A.Engineers and DoctorsOther trained Labour

All Arsons above that age of 65 should begiven old age pension^

Weaker Section and Backward ClassesThe Shiromani Akali Dal shall try to improve

the economic condition of the backward classes andweaker sections of Society by extending them facilitiesfor education employment and other concessions, toenable them to come at per with other sections ofsociety. Foodgrains at cheaper rates would be ma.ffeavailable to them.

*These rates were fixed in 1973.

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Educational and Culture *

The Shiromani Akali Dal aims at grooming theSikhs into a strong and sturdy Nation highly

. educated, fully aware of its fundamental rights, verywell versed in various arts and ever ready to honourthe more outstanding of its sons. For such apurpose:

1. The Shiromani Akali Dal regards the educationa-lists, scientists, philosophers, poets, writers andartists of the Sikh Nation as its most prizedasset.

2. The Seiromani Akali Dal stands for compulsoryand free education upto matric standard.

3. '10 checK the growing rate of unemployment,Shiromani Akali Dal would try to introduce suchcourses of study as would enable their studentsto get immediate employment on completion ofa^ course ~ """"

4. The Shiromani Akali Dal shall make arrange-ments for the education of the rural and weakerClasses and would also make

5.

higher education of the more promising studentsamong mem.Punjabi would be a compulsory subject for allstudents upto the matric standard.

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6.

r7.

Special attention would be paid to the scienceand technical fields of education, with particularempnasls on the study of Nuclear physics andspace science in the Universities.The Shiromani Akali Dal shall try to improve ihestandard of games and bring them on level withinternational standards.

Dated : 1-8-1977Sd/-

Giam Ajmer SinghSecretary,

Shiromani Akali Dal.

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