Amid ongoing debates over his earlier announced Mahila Samman scheme, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting religious figures. On Monday, Kejriwal announced the launch of the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, a scheme designed to provide a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000 to Hindu priests and Sikh granthis.
At a press conference, Kejriwal emphasized the long-overdue support for religious leaders, who he believes have been instrumental in preserving cultural and religious traditions for generations. “The priest community has carried forward the rituals and traditions from one generation to the next, often neglecting their own families. This honorarium is the first of its kind in the country and seeks to acknowledge their invaluable service,” he said.
The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana will officially begin registration on Tuesday, with Kejriwal announcing that he will start the process by visiting the iconic Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, Delhi. The program aims to provide financial assistance to Hindu priests and Sikh granthis who have been performing religious duties without adequate compensation.
The announcement of this scheme comes amid controversy over another of Kejriwal’s recent proposals, the Mahila Samman scheme. This initiative, intended to provide ₹2,100 monthly to unemployed women, has caused confusion, with the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development Department clarifying that the scheme was “non-existent,” despite registration drives being launched by AAP leaders.
The new Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana is likely to stir further political debate, as it follows a series of welfare announcements by the AAP government ahead of upcoming elections. The scheme’s focus on religious leaders highlights the party’s attempt to appeal to voters from diverse communities.
With the registration set to begin soon, the scheme is expected to bring relief to many in the religious community, who have long faced economic challenges while serving their congregations.
As the AAP continues to roll out welfare programs, questions surrounding their execution and impact remain at the forefront of political discussions in Delhi.
Sources By Agencies
