Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal officially launched the registration for the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana on Tuesday, marking a new initiative aimed at providing financial support to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis in the national capital. The event took place at the Shri Marghat Wale Baba Mandir in Kashmere Gate, where Kejriwal was accompanied by his wife, Sunita Kejriwal.
This follows Kejriwal’s announcement on Monday that the scheme will offer an honorarium of approximately ₹18,000 per month to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis, contingent on an AAP victory in the upcoming Delhi elections.
Details of the Scheme
- Name: Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana
- Beneficiaries: Priests of temples and granthis of Gurudwaras
- Honorarium: ₹18,000 per month
- Objective: To acknowledge and support the clergy who have long served the community by performing rituals and fostering spiritual connections.
Speaking at the launch, Kejriwal highlighted the scheme’s unique nature:
“This is happening for the first time in the country. Priests and granthis have dedicated their lives to serving our communities, often neglecting their own families. This initiative aims to address that oversight.”
He added that the scheme aligns with AAP’s legacy of introducing innovative welfare measures, such as improving schools and hospitals and providing free bus travel for women.
Political Reactions
AAP’s Perspective
Kejriwal positioned the scheme as a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, expressing hope that other states, particularly those governed by BJP and Congress, would emulate it.
“We have consistently pioneered transformative programs for the people of Delhi. This scheme is yet another example of our commitment to those who serve the community selflessly,” Kejriwal said.
BJP’s Criticism
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticized the scheme, accusing Kejriwal of making “populist announcements” in a bid to retain power ahead of anticipated electoral losses.
“Arvind Kejriwal is now a defeated and desperate leader making daily populist announcements to stay in power,” Sachdeva said at a press conference.
Sachdeva also alleged that the AAP’s move was prompted by pressure from BJP’s Pujari Prakosht, which has been advocating for the welfare of priests for over two years. He further questioned AAP’s selective implementation of such benefits, noting the disparity between support for priests and for maulvis.
Impact and Next Steps
The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana is seen as part of AAP’s broader strategy to expand its voter base by addressing the needs of religious and spiritual communities. However, its actual implementation and electoral impact remain to be seen as political rivals scrutinize the motives and execution of the scheme.
While some view it as a progressive step, others see it as a calculated political move amid intensifying electoral competition in Delhi.