Delhi polls: Arvind Kejriwal promises Rs 18,000 a month for temple, gurdwara priests

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a new financial assistance program for Hindu priests and Sikh granthis on Monday.

The "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana" will provide a monthly allowance of Rs 18,000 if Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wins the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The AAP is seeking a fourth term in office.

Kejriwal stated the program aims to support these religious figures, who he said are often overlooked. Registrations for the scheme will begin on Tuesday.


“Pujaris and granthis are an important part of our society, but they are often a neglected section. For the first time in the country, we are introducing a scheme to support them, under which they will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 18,000,” Kejriwal said.

Kejriwal will visit the Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on Tuesday to observe priest registrations.

Kejriwal also accused the BJP of trying to scuttle several of his party's welfare schemes.

"Just like the BJP tried to stop the Mahila Samman Yojana by sending police but couldn't, similarly they shouldn't try to stop the 'Pujari-Granthi Samman' scheme. BJP will incur a great sin by doing this.

"This scheme is a tribute to their spiritual contribution to society and their efforts to preserve our cultural heritage," he added in a social media post made after the announcement.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, who also attended the press conference, lauded the initiative.

"When Aam Aadmi Party forms the government in Delhi again, temple priests and Gurudwara granthis who have been preserving and carrying forward our culture and civilisation for generations will be given an honorarium of Rs 18,000 per month. Arvind Kejriwal Ji's decision is not only a tribute to the service of the priests and granthis but also a resolve to preserve our heritage," she wrote in a post on X.

With PTI inputs