Delhi's 'Pujari Granthi Samman' Scheme Launched Amid Criticism

Delhi has initiated the 'Pujari Granthi Samman' scheme, providing a monthly grant to priests in religious institutions. Criticism arises from claims of election-driven motives. The scheme's importance is acknowledged by religious leaders, marking it as a significant step since the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

The Delhi government officially launched the 'Pujari Granthi Samman' scheme on Tuesday, designed to provide financial support to Gurudwara priests. The announcement was made by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on December 30.

Under the initiative, each temple and Gurudwara priest in Delhi will receive a monthly grant of Rs 18,000. The launch ceremony took place at the Hanuman temple in Connaught Place, with the registration process commencing at Sant Sujan Singh ji Maharaj's Gurdwara, as confirmed by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.

Atishi underscored the scheme's significance, noting praise from Granthis who compared it as being on par with support seen during Maharaja Ranjit Singh's time. Despite the acknowledgment, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized Kejriwal, alleging the scheme seeks to sway voters before upcoming elections, calling it 'Arvind's appeasement'. She urged the implementation without electoral motivations, citing previous oversight towards religious leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)