AAP’s Delhi Polls Promise: Rs 18,000 A Month For Temple, Gurdwara Priests

Mon Dec 30 08:32:06 UTC 2024: ## Kejriwal Announces Monthly Allowance for Temple Priests and Gurdwara Granthis in Delhi

**New Delhi:** Ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal today unveiled the “Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana,” promising a monthly allowance of ₹18,000 to Hindu temple priests and Sikh gurdwara granthis if AAP is re-elected. Kejriwal lauded the selfless service of these religious figures and framed the scheme as a long-overdue recognition of their contributions.

The registration process for the scheme will begin immediately, with Kejriwal planning a visit to Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on Tuesday to oversee the launch. He challenged the BJP and Congress to replicate similar welfare initiatives in states they govern.

Kejriwal’s announcement, however, coincided with protests by imams affiliated with the Delhi Waqf Board, who demonstrated outside his residence, demanding overdue salaries. The All India Imam Association alleges that imams haven’t received payment for 17 months, accusing the Delhi government of neglecting their needs. This highlights a potential point of contention as AAP seeks a fourth consecutive term in office.