AAP President Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a new initiative on Monday that gives Hindu and Sikh priests a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000, amid a massive controversy over a scheme that guarantees a monthly stipend to unemployed women. Registration for the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana will open on Tuesday, according to the former chief minister of Delhi.
After visiting the Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place, Delhi, Kejriwal declared he will launch the plan. He added that this scheme’s registration will open tomorrow. To begin the registration process for this plan, he’ll be going to the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place tomorrow.
“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.
Kejriwal took a jab at the BJP, asking them to refrain from interfering with the scheme’s pujari and granthi registration process. In response to a question about the anticipated number of pujaris and granthis who would profit, Kejriwal stated that he would disclose the figure once the registration process was over.
He responded, “We will not let the shortage of funds affect the scheme,” when asked how much the scheme would cost the exchequer if it were implemented.
Arvind Kejriwal’s statement is an extension of his humanitarian programs for Delhi residents. He initially introduced the Mahila Samman Yojana, then the Sanjeevani scheme for senior folks, and now the priests’ monthly wage plan.
Assembly polls are due in Delhi in February 2025.
