Summary:
Tribune News ServiceAmritsar August 17After 37 years the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has been granted income tax exemption under Section 80G enabling donors to claim rebate for donations in their returns. Now pilgrims who offer 'daswand' (10th part of their income) for the services of the SGPC can avail tax rebate under the Income Tax Act” he said. The SGPC had filed an application with the Commissioner of Income Tax Amritsar for registration under Section 80G but it was rejected in 2009 with a perception that the committee was a religious body working for a particular religion (Sikhs). The SGPC challenged the order and filed an appeal before the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Amritsar. After 12 years the case was heard and Judicial Member Laliet Kumar and Accountant Member Dr ML Meena of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Amritsar granted exemption under Section 80G in favour of the SGPC..