Context:
- The Punjab government has accorded the status of “Holy City” to Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Tarn Taran.
- The decision recognises their historical, religious, and cultural significance in the evolution of Sikhism and aims to promote heritage preservation and religious tourism.
Key Highlights:
Cities Granted ‘Holy City’ Status
- Amritsar
- Home to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the holiest shrine of Sikhism.
- Founded by Guru Ram Das in the 16th century.
- Anandpur Sahib
- Birthplace of the Khalsa Panth (1699), established by Guru Gobind Singh.
- Central to Sikh identity and warrior tradition.
- Tarn Taran
- Founded by Guru Arjan Dev.
- Known for Gurdwara Tarn Taran Sahib and Sikh reform movements.
Legal & Administrative Framework
- Status granted through an amendment to the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act.
- Special regulations to be enforced, including:
- Restrictions on sale of liquor, tobacco, meat, and intoxicants.
- Enhanced focus on cleanliness, civic discipline, and heritage conservation.
Historical and Religious Rationale
- Cities chosen for their association with:
- Sikh Gurus
- Foundational milestones such as Khalsa creation
- Reflects Sikh concept of holiness as ethical conduct, not merely ritual space.
Social & Political Dimensions
- Long-standing demand from Sikh religious bodies.
- Raises concerns regarding:
- Livelihoods of vendors selling meat, liquor, and tobacco
- Enforcement challenges in urban spaces
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Granting ‘Holy City’ status to religiously significant urban centres.
- Key Cities:
- Amritsar
- Anandpur Sahib
- Tarn Taran
- Historical Associations:
- Golden Temple – Guru Arjan Dev
- Khalsa Panth – Guru Gobind Singh
- Government Initiative:
- Amendment to Punjab Municipal Corporation Act
- Benefits:
- Cultural preservation
- Promotion of religious tourism
- Strengthening Sikh heritage identity
- Challenges:
- Livelihood disruption
- Defining and enforcing “holiness” in civic life
Relevant Mains Points:
- Key Concepts:
- Religion and public policy
- Cultural governance
- Federalism and state legislative powers
- Static Linkages:
- Sikh philosophy: Naam, Kirat, Vand Chhakna
- Sikh institutions: Gurdwara, Langar, Khalsa
- Concerns & Debates:
- Balancing religious sentiments with economic freedoms
- Secular governance vs religious accommodation
- Urban regulation in plural societies
- Way Forward:
- Stakeholder consultations with local communities.
- Rehabilitation and alternative livelihood options for affected workers.
- Clear, transparent, and uniform enforcement mechanisms.
- Promote inclusive heritage tourism without social exclusion.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS I: Indian culture, religion, heritage cities
- GS II: State policies, governance, secularism
- GS III: Tourism economy, urban development
- GS IV: Ethics – balancing faith, livelihood, and public policy