New Delhi:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal today announced the launch of the 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana' – a scheme that promises a monthly stipend of Rs 18,000 for Hindu temple priests and Sikh Gurdwara Granthis if his party becomes part of Delhi re-elected.
“Pujaris and Granthis are an integral part of our society. They have selflessly served the community for generations, often at the expense of their own families. This plan is our way of honoring their contributions,” Mr Kejriwal said.
Mr Kejriwal, who was seeking a fourth consecutive term for AAP in the Delhi Assembly, said the registration process for the program will begin immediately. He is expected to visit Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on Tuesday to oversee the first phase.
The announcement comes as AAP prepares to take on the BJP and Congress in the elections. Mr Kejriwal hit out at both parties and urged them to replicate similar welfare measures in other states.
“We know how pujaris serve us. Whether it is our child's birthday or the death of a loved one, they have always connected us to God. But they never paid attention to their own families, and we didn't pay enough attention to them either. This is happening for the first time in the country. We did a lot of work in the national capital, which was happening for the first time. We have improved schools, hospitals and bus travel for women. Governments will learn from this and implement such schemes in the state governed by them,” Kejriwal added.
The BJP responded to the announcement by claiming that salary for priests has been a demand of the BJP for a long time.
“Salary for priests has been a demand of the BJP for long. We have put pressure on the AAP government. We have held numerous protests against this,” Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said. “In 2022, we had filed a petition in the Supreme Court for the welfare of priests in Delhi. When the court sought a response, the Delhi government only asked for the next date. Why haven't you done this for the last twelve years? ? Why now?”
The announcement has not been without controversy. On the same day, imams affiliated with the Delhi Waqf Board protested outside Mr Kejriwal's residence demanding unpaid salaries. The All India Imam Association alleged that imams had not been paid for 17 months and accused the Delhi government of ignoring their plight.