Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a new welfare initiative, the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana,’ aimed at supporting Hindu temple priests and Sikh gurdwara granthis. The scheme, announced on Monday, promises a monthly allowance of ₹18,000 to these religious leaders if the AAP is re-elected in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

Kejriwal emphasized the essential role priests and granthis play in maintaining cultural and spiritual heritage, stating, “These individuals are the backbone of our traditions, yet they have been largely neglected. This scheme will provide them with the dignity and support they deserve.”

The Chief Minister also announced that registrations for the scheme would commence on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. To mark the occasion, he plans to visit the iconic Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, where he will initiate the registration process.

This announcement is part of a series of welfare measures introduced by the AAP government ahead of the polls. Kejriwal recently launched the Mahila Samman Yojana, which provides ₹2,100 monthly to unemployed women, and the Sanjeevani Yojana, offering free medical treatment for residents above the age of 60.

Kejriwal called on opposition parties to refrain from obstructing these schemes, underscoring their significance in addressing the needs of underprivileged and underrepresented sections of society.

With this initiative, AAP seeks to reinforce its voter base by focusing on inclusive development and welfare-oriented policies as it aims for a fourth consecutive term in power.