Delhi, August 15: Hundreds of Imams and muezzins serving in mosques across the national capital are grappling with severe financial difficulties due to unpaid salaries that have stretched for several months. The ongoing crisis has left many struggling to meet basic needs, leading to growing frustration and disillusionment among the affected religious leaders, reported Business Standard.
Imams and muezzins have expressed their deep concern over the Delhi government’s apparent neglect of their situation. “We have not received our full salaries for the past several months. It has become increasingly difficult to sustain our livelihoods,” shared one Imam, who noted that receiving five months’ pay in three instalments provided only temporary relief.
Mufti Mohammed Kasim of the Anglo Arabic School in Ajmeri Gate revealed that the issue of unpaid salaries has been ongoing since 2022. “Over 250 Imams and muezzins have been waiting for their salaries for many months. Despite numerous requests and appeals, our concerns have been largely ignored,” he lamented.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, a circular from the Waqf Board authorized the release of funds. However, many Imams and muezzins were deemed ineligible, further exacerbating the situation. “Initially, 207 Imams and 73 muezzins were paid. Now, only 185 Imams and 59 muezzins are receiving their salaries. At least 36 staff members were declared ineligible for payment despite their regular services in mosques,” Kasim explained.
The problem, according to Kasim, began in 2018 when the Waqf Board introduced a new payment mechanism that has since led to delays and complications in disbursing salaries.
Imam Mohammad Arshad Warsi echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the issue has persisted for two to three years, with many still awaiting the third instalment of their overdue pay. “Some of us haven’t been paid for 13 to 14 months, while others have been waiting for 18 to 19 months,” he said, highlighting the depth of the crisis.
Despite their unwavering commitment to their duties, the Imams and muezzins feel neglected by the authorities. “It’s disheartening that the Delhi government fails to acknowledge our contributions. Other government departments don’t face such issues, so why are we being treated differently?” Warsi questioned.
Efforts to bring the issue to the attention of Delhi cabinet minister Atishi have yet to yield a clear resolution. Even a pay raise five years ago, which increased their salaries from Rs 10,000 to Rs 18,000, has proven insufficient given the rising cost of living.
A meeting with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor eventually led to the release of some 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 shared with IANS.
However, the larger problem of timely salary payments remains unresolved, leaving many Imams and muezzins in a precarious financial position. As they continue to serve their communities, the lack of consistent support from the government adds to the challenges they face daily.
