In a significant move ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal announced the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’ on December 30, 2024. This scheme promises a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000 to Hindu priests (pujaris) and Sikh religious leaders (granthis) serving in temples and gurdwaras across Delhi.
Scheme Overview
The ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’ aims to provide financial support to religious leaders who have traditionally played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting cultural and spiritual values within the community. Kejriwal emphasized that these individuals have often been overlooked in governmental welfare initiatives, stating, “The temple priests and gurdwara granthis make important contributions to society but no government or party has paid any attention to them.”
Registration Process
Registration for the scheme is set to commence on December 31, 2024. Kejriwal announced that he would initiate the registration process by visiting the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, Delhi. Following this, AAP members, including MLAs and volunteers, will facilitate registrations in temples and gurdwaras throughout the city.
Eligibility Criteria
While detailed eligibility criteria are yet to be fully disclosed, the scheme is expected to encompass:
• Hindu Priests (Pujaris): Individuals officially serving in recognized temples within Delhi.
• Sikh Religious Leaders (Granthis): Individuals serving in registered gurdwaras across the city.
The Delhi government is anticipated to release comprehensive guidelines outlining the specific qualifications and documentation required for applicants.
Political Context
The announcement comes in the lead-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, with AAP seeking to retain power for a fourth consecutive term. This initiative follows the Delhi Cabinet’s approval of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ on December 12, which proposes a monthly allowance for women. Kejriwal’s recent announcements appear to be strategically timed to garner support from various community segments, including religious leaders and women.
Reactions and Implications
The scheme has elicited varied reactions:
• Support from Religious Communities: Many view the initiative as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the contributions made by pujaris and granthis. Financial assistance is expected to alleviate economic challenges faced by these religious leaders, enabling them to continue their spiritual duties without financial strain.
• Political Criticism: Opponents argue that the timing of the announcement is politically motivated, aimed at securing votes ahead of the elections. Concerns have also been raised about the sustainability of funding such schemes and the potential for setting precedents that may lead to demands from other community groups.
Implementation Challenges
Implementing the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’ will require:
• Accurate Identification: Establishing a reliable database of eligible religious leaders to ensure that benefits reach the intended recipients.
• Budget Allocation: Allocating sufficient funds within the state budget to support the monthly honorarium without disrupting other welfare programs.
• Administrative Oversight: Setting up mechanisms to manage registrations, disbursements, and address grievances effectively.
Comparative Analysis
This initiative is among several by the Kejriwal-led government aimed at providing direct financial assistance to specific community groups. Previously, the government increased the monthly allowances of Delhi imams to ₹18,000 from ₹10,000. However, there have been reports of delays in disbursing these salaries, with some imams claiming they have not been paid for the last 14 months.
Conclusion
The ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’ represents a significant step towards recognizing and supporting the religious leaders who play a crucial role in Delhi’s cultural and spiritual landscape. While the scheme has been welcomed by many, its successful implementation will depend on transparent processes, adequate funding, and sustained political will. As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, such initiatives are likely to influence public opinion and voter sentiment.
With inputs from agencies
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