AP Government to Extend Honorariums to Imams of Low-income Mosques

Vijayawada: Minority welfare minister N.M.D. Farook on Thursday announced that the AP government, led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, will pay honorariums to imams and muezzens of mosques, which do not have an income of up to ₹5,000.

He disclosed that the government has issued a GO maintaining the honorarium of imams at ₹10,000 and that of muezzens at ₹5,000. He said continuation of the honorarium will be applicable from April this year, which will cost the government ₹90 crore annually.

Farook underlined that the coalition government is providing the highest priority for welfare of minorities in Andhra Pradesh.

The minister maintained that during the previous government's tenure, welfare of minorities remained disrupted, leaving it to the chance of individuals.

On the day, Farook also reviewed the functioning of fast track and special courts in the state. He held detailed discussions with law secretary G. Pratibha Devi and other key officials in this regard.