AMRITSAR, Aug. 14 -- Punjab education minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday performed ardas (Sikh prayer) for atonement at Akal Takht after completing his tankhah (religious punishment) awarded to him by the highest Sikh temporal seat for violation of Sikh maryada at an event organised by the Punjab government's language department to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur in Srinagar.

He also announced that he will contribute Rs.20 lakh from his discretionary funds as minister and one month's salary to improve the condition of the paths leading to historic places associated with the ninth Guru.

Speaking to the media outside after submitting a letter at Akal Takht secretariat, the minister said, "The service assigne...