A delegation of Imams protest outside residence of former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal demanding early resolution of their grievances
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The ongoing issue of unpaid salaries for Imams and Muezzins employed by Delhi’s Waqf Board has escalated, with a group of imams protesting outside the residence of former Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal. The Imams and Muezzins claim they have not received their salaries for the past 17 months.
On Thursday, a group of Imams and Muezzins, led by Maulana Sajid Rashidi, President of the All India Imams Association, arrived at Kejriwal’s residence seeking a meeting to address the salary arrears. However, they were prevented from entering by security personnel. The Imams expressed their frustration at being denied access, stating they had come to seek a resolution to their long-standing grievances.
Maulana Rashidi highlighted the dire situation faced by approximately 240 Imams and Muezzins, whose salaries, ranging from Rs 16,000 to Rs 18,000, have been withheld for over a year. He stated, “It is a pity that the meager salary of Rs 16,000 to 18,000 is not paid on time.” The group had previously met with Chief Minister Atishi and Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena but reported that they had received only assurances, with no concrete action taken to resolve the issue.
Maulana Rashidi emphasised that their protest was not politically motivated. “We have not come to do politics but to demand our rights,” he asserted. Following the protest, Kejriwal’s team offered the Imams a meeting scheduled for 5 pm on Saturday. This development offers a glimmer of hope for a potential resolution to the salary dispute.
The Imams have consistently raised their concerns regarding the non-payment of salaries with the government. While the government had previously released some salaries in three instalments covering five months’ worth of arrears, many Imams still remain unpaid. This situation has created significant financial hardship for the affected families.
The ongoing salary crisis has caused considerable distress and anxiety among the Imams of Waqf Board mosques. They are not only demanding their due salaries but also appealing for greater understanding and sensitivity towards their difficult circumstances. The upcoming meeting with Mr Kejriwal is seen as a crucial opportunity to find a lasting solution. The situation is being closely watched to see if the government will finally take decisive action or if the Imams will continue to face further delays and broken promises.
One of the Imams, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “We are struggling to make ends meet. We have families to support, and without our salaries, we are facing immense hardship. We hope that this meeting will finally bring some relief.”
Another Imam added: “We have been given assurances before, but nothing has changed. We need concrete action, not just words. We are hopeful that Mr Kejriwal will understand our plight and will resolve this issue.”
A representative from the AAP party, when contacted, stated: “Mr Kejriwal is aware of the situation and is committed to finding a solution. The meeting on Saturday will provide an opportunity to discuss the matter in detail and explore ways to address the concerns of the Imams and Muezzins.”
The outcome of the meeting on Saturday will be crucial in determining the future of the Imams and Muezzins and their families, who have been enduring financial hardship due to the prolonged non-payment of their salaries.
