Hundreds of Imams and muezzins working in mosques connected to Delhi Waqf Board have not received their salaries for months, causing hardships to the lives.
Many have expressed frustration with the city’s government, accusing it of neglecting their plight and making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.
On Tuesday, several imams from mosques connected to the Delhi Waqf Board even held protest in front of the residence of the chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in order to make their voices known by the authorities.
Qari Gyasur Hassan, a WAQF Imam in Delhi, voiced his frustration, saying, “We have been troubled about our salaries for nearly eight years.
“Since the Aam Aadmi Party government came to power, and Amanatullah Khan became the Chairman, we have faced repeated delays,” alleged Gyasur while speaking to ANI.
“One Imam noted receiving five months’ pay in three installments.”
Mufti Mohammed Kasim from the Anglo Arabic School in Ajmeri Gate revealed that their salaries have been withheld since 2022. “Over 250 Imams and muezzins have not been paid for many months. We’ve repeatedly requested payment, but our pleas go unheard,” he stated.
An Imam who took part in protest claimed that their salaries were pending because the grant given to the board by the Delhi government was stopped by the Department of Revenue.
Kasim explained, “Initially, 207 Imams and 73 muezzins were paid. Now, only 185 Imams and 59 muezzins receive salaries. At least 36 staff members were declared illegal and denied payment, despite their regular services in mosques.”
Imam Mohammad Arshad Warsi echoed these concerns, saying, “We haven’t been paid for months. We feel ignored and marginalized, despite our dedicated service.” Warsi mentioned that this issue has persisted for the past two to three years, with many still awaiting the third installment of their overdue pay. “Some of us haven’t been paid for 13-14 months, while others have waited 18-19 months,” he added.
The Imams and muezzins feel neglected despite their unwavering commitment. Warsi asked, “It’s surprising that the Delhi government doesn’t recognize our contributions. Many government departments don’t face such issues, so why are we?”
A meeting with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor led to the release of their salaries after a long delay. “The L-G acknowledged our concerns and instructed authorities to resolve the issue within 15 days, which was implemented,” Warsi told IANS.
He added that the problems began after 2018 when the Waqf Board introduced a new payment mechanism.
The issue of non-payment of salaries has earlier been raised with Delhi Cabinet Minister Atishi but received no clear assurance. Despite a pay raise five years ago from Rs 10,000 to Rs 18,000, several imams express that the increase is insufficient given the rising cost of living.
On March 22, 2024, the Delhi High Court issued notices to the Delhi government and the Delhi Waqf Board in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the government’s policy of using public funds to pay salaries to Imams and muezzins. The court noted that extending such help to one religious group could lead others to seek similar assistance.
The court ordered all respondents, including the Delhi government’s finance department, to file their responses within four weeks. The PIL, filed by lawyer Rukmani Singh, argued that the government’s policy violates the secular mandate of the constitution by providing financial assistance to individuals of only one religion.
In defense, senior advocates representing the Delhi government and the Waqf Board argued that the grants are legitimate and properly sanctioned, noting that the Waqf Board, a statutory body, provides the honorariums, not the government.
The Delhi government’s counsel also cited a Supreme Court ruling that differentiates imams from priests in other religions, emphasizing that imams do not charge for their services or rituals.
