NEW DELHI: AAP has announced a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 for 'pujaris' of the city's temples and 'granthis' of Gurdwaras if it is re-elected to power.
Assembly polls are due in Delhi in February 2025.
Announcing the scheme, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the registration of pujaris and granthis for the scheme will begin at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place on Tuesday. Kejriwal stated that this was the first time in the country that such a scheme to financially support pujaris and granthis was being announced.
"They help us perform all religious functions but have never cared for their families. We will give them 'samman' (respect) with this monthly honorarium," Kejriwal said in a press conference.
Taking a swipe at the BJP, Kejriwal urged them not to interfere with the registration of pujaris and granthis under the scheme.
When asked how many pujaris and granthis were likely to benefit, Kejriwal said he would share the number after the completion of the registration exercise.
"We will not let the shortage of funds affect the scheme," he said in response to a question on the financial burden on the exchequer if the scheme is implemented.
Atul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India wi...
Read MoreAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.
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