Question : LIVING CONDITIONS OF PRIESTS GRANTHIS AND IMAMS



(a) whether the Government are aware of the poor living conditions of Priests, Granthis, Imams etc. of various religious places being run by trusts, societies and samitis etc.; and

(b) if so, the proposal, if any, to ameliorate their lot?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI S. B. MOOKHERJEE)

(a) & (b)The Government is aware that some priests, granthis and imams are living in poor conditions. As per the direction of the Supreme Court a scheme called `Scheme for remuneration to Imams and Muazzins, 1995` was approved by the Central Wakf Council on 22.12.1995. The responsibility for implementation of this scheme is on the Wakf Boards of the States concerned. The appropriate Board or Wakf may determine quantum of remuneration of various categories of Imams taking into account qualification of Imam, income from mosques, whether imam is full time or part time or honorary, etc.