The Biz Reporter
Delhi, Dec 30: In a significant announcement ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has unveiled the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’, promising a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 for Hindu temple priests and Sikh granthis in Delhi. This new initiative aims to recognize and financially support these religious figures, often overlooked in terms of economic security.
Arvind Kejriwal, during a press conference, emphasized the role of priests and granthis in maintaining spiritual and cultural traditions. “Pujaris and granthis are an important part of our society, but they are often a neglected section. For the first time in the country, we are introducing a scheme to support them, under which they will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 18,000,” Kejriwal stated. The registration for this scheme is set to begin on Tuesday, with Kejriwal personally overseeing the process at the Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place.
The announcement has stirred both support and skepticism. Proponents of the scheme see it as a step towards valuing the service of religious leaders in community welfare, while critics question the timing and motives behind such promises, especially as elections loom. There has been pointed criticism regarding the AAP’s track record on similar commitments, with some highlighting the delays in salary payments to Imams under the Delhi Waqf Board, suggesting a possible inconsistency in the party’s religious community support policies.
BJP leaders have responded with caution, with some accusing the AAP of employing “election gimmicks” to garner votes. BJP MP Parves…
