Kejriwal announces 18,000 monthly allowance for priests and granthis ahead of Delhi polls

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a new welfare scheme, the "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana," aimed at providing financial assistance to Hindu priests (pujaris) and Sikh granthis if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wins the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The scheme promises a monthly allowance of Rs 18,000 to priests and granthis, marking a significant move by the AAP to support religious figures. The registration for the scheme is set to begin on Tuesday, with Kejriwal visiting Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place to oversee the process.

The "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana" is designed to offer support to Hindu priests and Sikh granthis, who, according to Kejriwal, are vital to preserving religious practices and cultural traditions but are often financially neglected. Kejriwal emphasized that this initiative is the first of its kind in the country, targeting a community that has traditionally been overlooked despite their significant societal role. The Rs 18,000 allowance is aimed at helping these religious figures manage their financial needs, as they typically dedicate their lives to spiritual duties and rituals.

Kejriwal stated that the registration for the scheme would begin at the Hanuman Mandir, where he will personally oversee the process. He reiterated that this scheme is not intended as a salary but as a token of respect for the work that pujaris and granthis do in connecting people to religious practices. The Delhi Chief Minister explained that these religious figures are often focused on serving others while their own personal and financial needs go unmet.

The announcement also aligns with AAP’s broader strategy to provide social welfare benefits to various communities in Delhi. In addition to the "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana," Kejriwal highlighted other ongoing initiatives, including the "Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana," which provides Rs 2,100 per month to women in Delhi. This initiative, like the allowance for priests and granthis, is part of AAP’s continued focus on expanding social welfare programs aimed at supporting marginalized communities in the capital city.

Kejriwal also addressed concerns regarding opposition interference, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had previously attempted to block registration for other welfare schemes like the "Mahila Samman Yojana" and "Sanjeevani Yojana." He expressed hope that the opposition would not disrupt the registration process for the new scheme aimed at supporting religious figures.

The "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana" will be rolled out if AAP is re-elected in the February 2025 Delhi Assembly elections. The move is seen as a significant part of AAP's campaign strategy to appeal to religious communities and reinforce its image as a proponent of social welfare. The scheme comes as part of Kejriwal's ongoing efforts to introduce policies that address the needs of both religious and marginalized sections of society.