New Delhi: AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a new welfare scheme on Monday, aimed at providing financial support to Hindu and Sikh religious leaders. Named the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, the scheme promises a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000 to temple priests and gurdwara granthis.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference, Kejriwal stated, “This is the first time in the country that an honorarium of this kind is being introduced for priests and granthis. These individuals have devoted their lives to preserving and carrying forward religious traditions, often at the expense of their own families’ welfare. This initiative is a recognition of their invaluable contributions to society.”
The registration process for the scheme will commence on Tuesday, December 31, and Kejriwal plans to officially launch the registration drive by visiting the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place.
This announcement comes amidst political controversy over another AAP scheme, the Mahila Samman Yojana. The scheme, which proposed a stipend of ₹2,100 per month for unemployed women, has faced scrutiny after the Delhi government’s Women and Child Development (WCD) department declared it “non-existent.” The BJP alleged fraud, claiming discrepancies between the AAP leadership and the Delhi government.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit also raised concerns over the collection of personal details from women under the guise of the Mahila Samman Yojana. Acting on this complaint, Delhi Lt. Governor V.K. Saxena ordered an inquiry into the alleged misuse of data. Multiple police teams have been deployed to identify camps conducting such activities.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Mahila Samman Yojana, Kejriwal emphasized that the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana reflects AAP’s commitment to supporting marginalized communities. “We believe in recognizing the efforts of those who serve society selflessly. This honorarium will ensure a dignified livelihood for priests and granthis,” he added.
