London, UK - Via a press release, the Sikh Council UK expressed concern about the shocking decision by the Khalsa College Amritsar officials to shut down the 120 year old historic Sikh college and then use the site for a new Khalsa University.
Over the years Khalsa College Amritsar has produced some prominent Sikhs such as Prof Ganda Singh and Bhai Veer Singh. The Khalsa College to the Sikhs is what Eaton College is to the British. It was built by public subscription and individual donations and thus is the heritage of the whole Panth. It is built on a 350-acre site and is next door to the Guru Nanak University, which was built in November 1969. In fact it is one of the Colleges of Guru Nanak Dev University.
The decision to shut down the college and re-open as a University have taken place behind closed doors without the public’s knowledge or any consultation. The Sikh Council UK stated that this is a matter of Public Interest therefore, under the good practice Freedom of Information provisions that apply to public and charitable bodies and demanded that the management of the Khalsa College Amritsar should immediately release the following information in relation to the decision to shut down Khalsa College and to open Khalsa University on the same site:
1. The business case and the business plan that was used to take the decision.
2. Minutes of those meetings of the committee at which this item was discussed and the decision taken.
3. Any evidence that demonstrates that this is the best site for the Khalsa University given that Guru Nanak University is literally next-door and has sufficient space and capability to cater for any changes in demand for different types of courses, research and specialism’s.
5. Any evidence of actions taken by the committee of Khalsa College to adapt to changing demands of the industry, employers, Universities and students for the type of courses being offered. This is particularly relevant when one considers that the college has the space, resources and capabilities to adapt to market conditions
Sikh Council UK further requested that the decision to shut the Khalsa College, Amritsar be suspended so that a full scrutiny of the decision can take place and a consensus can be reached on the way forward.
