The Imams associated with the Delhi Waqf Board have raised serious concerns over the non-payment of their salaries, despite the government allocating grants intended for this purpose. This situation has left many Imams in a financial bind, prompting them to demand a thorough investigation into the matter.
Qari Gyasur Hassan, a Waqf Imam in Delhi, expressed his frustration, stating that the issue of delayed salaries has persisted for nearly eight years. He specifically pointed to the tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party government and the period during which Amanatullah Khan has served as the Chairman of the Waqf Board.
According to Hassan, delays in receiving salaries have extended up to 25 months for some Imams, creating significant hardships. He mentioned several unsuccessful attempts to meet with key government officials, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in an effort to resolve the issue.
Hassan emphasised that there are approximately 185 Imams in Delhi who have been affected by these salary delays. He recounted his efforts to raise the issue with various officials, including a visit to Arvind Kejriwal's residence, but he was unable to secure a meeting. He also noted that the current situation is unprecedented, with salaries being withheld for such extended periods.
Adding to the chorus of concern, Mufti Mohammed Qasim, associated with the Anglo Arabic School, alleged that the Waqf Board's Masjid section had provided incorrect reports to higher officials.
These reports, he claimed, led to the wrongful classification of some Imams as "illegal," which further complicated the salary disbursement process. Qasim stated that some Imams have not been paid for almost 30 months, while others have experienced delays of 15-16 months.
Qasim also pointed out that despite the government’s substantial grant to the Waqf Board, the funds have not been used to ensure timely salary payments for the Imams. He called for a thorough investigation into the matter to identify and address the root causes of these delays.
Maulana Sajid Rashidi, another prominent Imam, acknowledged that while the current government has increased the salaries of Imams from Rs 10,000 to Rs 18,000, this increase has not translated into timely payments.
Rashidi argued that the delay in payments has rendered the salary increases meaningless, as many Imams have been waiting for their dues for 18-22 months.
He also criticised the Waqf Board’s recent legal arguments, which suggested that funds allocated for Imams should be equitably distributed among other religious groups. Rashidi believes that this stance has further complicated the situation.
Rashidi also voiced his opinion that the funding for Imams should come from Waqf revenue rather than government grants. He urged the government to take swift action to resolve the payment delays and ensure that bureaucratic obstacles do not prevent the Governor’s office from addressing the issue.
The ongoing salary delays have left many Imams in a precarious situation, leading them to seek justice and a resolution to this long-standing problem. The call for an investigation reflects the growing frustration among the Imams, who are demanding accountability and timely payment of their rightful salaries.
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