Arvind Kejriwal announces ‘Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana’, promises ₹18,000 monthly honorarium for temple priests and Gurudwara ‘granthis’ when AAP comes to power

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal pledges ₹18,000 monthly honorarium for temple and Gurudwara priests (Granthi) in Delhi when voted back to power, unveiling the ‘Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana’ as a tribute to spiritual and cultural custodians.

The AAP Chief announced that he would personally launch the initiative at Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place, by registering the priests on Tuesday. Arvind Kejriwal cautioned the BJP against derailing the plan, describing any interference as a ‘great sin’. During this, Delhi CM Atishi, Cabinet Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and MLA Jarnail Singh were also present.

Reacting to this initiative, senior AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia shared on his ‘X’ handle, stating: “Thank you Arvind Kejriwal. When the Aam Aadmi Party government is formed, the priests of temples and the granthis of Gurudwara Sahib will be given their rights by giving them an honorarium of ₹18,000 per month. Respect for the culture and religious institutions of Delhi has always been Arvind Kejriwal's priority.”

Addressing a press conference, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Today, I am about to make a very important announcement. This announcement is for those individuals who have made significant contributions to society but have never received the recognition they deserve. Neither society nor any government or political party has ever paid attention to them.”

Announcing the scheme, the AAP Supremo continued, “Today, I am announcing a scheme called the ‘Pujari-Granthi Samman Yojana’. Under this scheme, provisions have been made to provide a monthly honorarium to priests who perform worship in temples and to granthis who serve in gurudwaras.”

Arvind Kejriwal elaborated on the pivotal role of priests and granthis in society. “We all know how priests are there for us in every moment of joy and sorrow. Whether it’s a wedding, a child’s birthday, or any other joyous occasion, or even in moments of grief like a death in the family, priests are always by our side, conducting prayers and rituals. This is a community that has, for centuries, carried forward our traditions and customs from one generation to the next through the ‘guru-shishya’ tradition,” he said.

The AAP Chief further highlighted the sacrifices made by this community. “They have preserved our values, rituals, and cultural heritage. But they have often done this while neglecting their own families, and sadly, we as a society have never acknowledged their contributions,” he asserted.

Addressing the financial aspect, Arvind Kejriwal remarked, “We visit temples and participate in prayers, but we have never paid attention to the needs of the priests. Through this scheme, I do not wish to call this an income or a salary. It is, in fact, a token of respect. I am announcing that an honorarium of ₹18,000 per month will be provided to these individuals. Upon the formation of our government, this initiative will be implemented.”

The AAP Head emphasized the unprecedented nature of this initiative. “This is happening for the first time in the history of this country. No political party or government has ever taken such a step before. Just like we took several unprecedented measures in Delhi—improving schools, enhancing hospitals, and providing free bus travel for women—this too is a pioneering step,” he said.

The AAP Chief called on other governments to emulate this initiative. “I hope that the BJP and Congress governments will learn from this initiative and introduce similar schemes in their respective states to honor priests and granthis. The registration for this scheme will start tomorrow,” he announced.

To kick off the registration process, Arvind Kejriwal shared that he will visit the Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place to personally register the priests. Following this, all AAP MLAs, candidates, and workers across Delhi will begin registering priests and granthis in temples and gurudwaras.

Urging political opponents to refrain from creating hurdles, Arvind Kejriwal appealed, “I sincerely appeal to the BJP not to obstruct this scheme, as they have tried to do with others in the past. They sent police and filed false cases to block the ‘Mahila Samman Yojana’ but failed. They tried to stop the ‘Sanjeevani Yojana’ but could not. I request them not to create obstacles for this scheme for priests and granthis. Harassing or opposing this initiative would be a grave sin. They have already committed many wrongs, for which they will bear the consequences, but obstructing this scheme will only add to their sins.”

The AAP Chief concluded with a powerful reminder of the significance of this initiative. “Priests and granthis act as bridges between us and God, carrying our prayers to the divine. If you trouble or harass them, it will invite their heartfelt curses. This initiative is not just about respect but about recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of those who have dedicated their lives to preserving our traditions and connecting us with the divine,” he said.

Delhi CM Atishi shared on her ‘X’ handle (erstwhile Twitter), posted: “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 civilization for generations will be given an honorarium of ₹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.”