In a bold electoral move, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a new welfare scheme, the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, during a press conference on December 30, 2024. The scheme promises a monthly stipend of ₹18,000 for priests in temples and granthis in gurudwaras across Delhi if the AAP secures victory in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 2025. This announcement is seen as part of AAP’s continued effort to expand its voter base by addressing niche community needs and sentiments.
Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana
Flanked by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and senior party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, Mr. Kejriwal stated, “Around ₹18,000 will be given per month once our government is formed. This is happening for the first time in India. I hope BJP and Congress will do it in their own States.” The announcement highlights AAP’s commitment to addressing religious leaders’ socio-economic challenges while aiming to position itself as a progressive yet culturally rooted party.
This scheme follows the party’s trend of introducing welfare measures tailored for specific demographics. The financial support aims to acknowledge the contributions of religious leaders to society and offer them a dignified standard of living.
Registration Details and Immediate Actions
Mr. Kejriwal added that the registration process for the scheme would commence the following day, December 31, 2024. To underscore the seriousness of the initiative, the AAP leader announced his intention to personally oversee the inaugural registration at the iconic Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place.
“Our MLAs, candidates, and workers will actively participate in registering priests and granthis in temples and gurdwaras across Delhi from tomorrow,” Mr. Kejriwal stated. This hands-on approach aims to foster trust and ensure widespread awareness about the scheme among the targeted beneficiaries.
A First-of-Its-Kind Initiative in India
The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana sets a precedent as the first state-level initiative to provide direct financial assistance to religious leaders. While similar welfare schemes exist for other professionals, this proposal stands out for its focus on religious leaders, signaling a recognition of their societal contributions.
Mr. Kejriwal further urged political rivals to support this initiative, saying, “I will request the BJP that, like you tried to stop Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana, please don’t try to stop this scheme for priests and granthis.” The appeal hints at previous political friction over welfare schemes introduced by the AAP government, emphasizing the party’s resolve to implement this new initiative.
The announcement comes at a critical juncture as the AAP gears up for a challenging electoral battle in Delhi. The ruling party’s strategy appears to focus on addressing diverse voter groups, ranging from women and youth to specific occupational segments like priests and granthis. By introducing the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, AAP aims to solidify its base among Delhi’s religious communities while reinforcing its pro-people governance image.
A Strategic Move in the Electoral Landscape
Political analysts view this announcement as a strategic masterstroke aimed at countering opposition narratives. While the BJP has traditionally enjoyed strong support among religious groups, this move by AAP could potentially sway sentiments, especially among grassroots-level leaders and their communities.
Furthermore, the scheme’s financial commitment highlights AAP’s confidence in its governance model, which emphasizes fiscal responsibility alongside social welfare. Critics, however, may question the long-term sustainability of such measures and their impact on Delhi’s budget.
The announcement has sparked a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism among Delhi residents. Supporters hail it as a much-needed acknowledgment of religious leaders’ societal roles, while detractors question the feasibility and potential political motivations behind the scheme.
The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana represents a significant step in AAP’s electoral strategy, blending welfare politics with cultural sensitivity. As Delhi heads toward the 2025 Assembly elections, this initiative could play a pivotal role in shaping voter perceptions and electoral outcomes. Whether it sets a new benchmark for governance or remains a political gambit will depend on its implementation and reception in the coming months.