Amid controversy surrounding a scheme promising financial aid to unemployed women, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal announced a new initiative on Monday aimed at supporting Hindu and Sikh priests. The scheme, named the Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, will provide a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000 to temple priests and Gurudwara granthis. Registration for the program is set to begin on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of religious leaders. “This is the first time in the country such a scheme has been introduced. Priests and granthis have upheld religious traditions for generations, often neglecting their personal needs. It’s time we acknowledge their selfless service,” he said.

Kejriwal also announced plans to visit the Hanuman Temple in Delhi’s Connaught Place to officially launch the scheme. “I will personally kickstart the registration process tomorrow during my visit to the Hanuman Temple,” he added.

The Mahila Samman Scheme Controversy

Earlier this month, Kejriwal launched the Mahila Samman scheme, which promised a ₹2,100 monthly stipend for unemployed women. AAP initiated a registration drive for the scheme, but the following day, the government’s Women and Child Development (WCD) department declared the program “non-existent” and warned citizens against sharing personal information.

The AAP accused BJP of pressuring officials into discrediting the scheme, while BJP alleged fraud and claimed miscommunication between AAP and the Delhi government. The controversy deepened when Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena ordered an inquiry into private entities allegedly collecting personal data under the guise of the scheme.

The inquiry, prompted by a complaint from Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit, led to the formation of Delhi Police teams tasked with identifying camps reportedly gathering personal information in the name of the Mahila Samman Yojana.