Punjab allows distribution of prasad at religious places despite Centre prohibiting it

A day after Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh lashed out at Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and distanced itself from decision to t distribute 'prasad' at religious places, his government has allowed same. Issuing a tice, Punjab government revised its earlier lockdown guidelines that prohibited 'langar' and distribution of prasad at religious places. 

order issued on Tuesday states, “It has w been decided to allow community kitchens (langar) and serving of prasad at religious places, subject to condition that physical distancing rms and all COVID hygiene precautions while preparing and distributing food shall be strictly followed.” It however added that standard operating procedure of Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for religious places should be meticulously complied with by manments of religious institutions. 

READ | Centre issues SOP for religious places ahead of June 8 opening: Masks mandatory, prasad

Centre's SOP for religious places

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in its SOP had clearly mentioned that religious places in containment zones must remain shut, and re will be physical offerings like Prasad, distribution of holy water. It also said that entrance must have mandatory hand hygiene and rmal screening provisions and only asymptomatic persons must be allowed. To avoid physical contact, it also said that touching of statues, idols, holy books etc. is t allowed, common prayer mats should be avoided and devotees should bring ir own prayer mat, community kitchens should follow physical distancing rms while preparing and distributing food and frequent cleaning and disinfection of religious places must be done.  

READ | Punjab CM Amarinder Singh warns 'this is t 1962' amid Indo-China border tensions

Captain Amarinder opposed decision to t offer prasad

On June 8, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said decision barring distribution of 'prasad' at religious places was taken by Union government and lashed out at SAD for allowing government to meddle with religious beliefs.  CM said his government had never believed in interfering with customs and practices of any religion. His statement came after Golden Temple restarted its 'langar' and distributed 'prasad' among devotees as it reopened on Monday, defying Punjab government's lockdown guidelines.

“How could state government be held responsible for prohibiting ‘prasad’ distribution at gurdwaras or or places of worship when Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had issued standard operating procedure (SOPs) to be followed by religious places under directives of Union Ministry of Home Affairs,” asked CM.

READ | Punjab CM Amarinder Singh constitutes panel to crackdown on illicit liquor trade

READ | Punjab CM assures farmers of 8-hours uninterrupted power supply for paddy transplantation