The J&K Waqf Board Sunday announced a hike of 30 percent to the remuneration of Imams, Khateebs, and Muazzins performing their duties at the shrines and Masjids directly administered by the J&K Waqf Board.
A spokesman of the J&K Waqf Board in a statement issued here said that the decision in this regard was taken after a meeting of Imams and Khateebs that was chaired by J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi here..
Andrabi also announced that J&K Waqf Board would provide adequate accommodation facilities to the Imams and Khateebs who were posted at places far off from their home.
Announcing other initiatives taken in this direction, she said, “Relief assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh would be provided to them in case of natural calamity leading to house damage, disease, or accidents requiring hospitalisation.”
Andrabi said that a provision of library facilities for Imams and Khateebs would be kept where religious literature would be made available so that they would not need to purchase it at their own level.
She said that the J&K Waqf Board would bear the cost of electricity and water bills of their accommodations.
Andrabi said that contrary to the past practice, no Imam, Khateeb, or Muazzin would be removed from his position on the complaint of locals, unless charges are proved after proper enquiry.
She said that on the demands of the Imams and Khateebs, J&K Waqf Board would organise frequent training programmes by roping in noted religious scholars.
Andrabi said that bringing an end to the past practice, they would be entitled to remuneration during the leave period as well.
In the past, they were not being paid for the leave period.
She said that a committee would be constituted that would have two members from amongst the Imams and Khateebs to look into the issues of rationalisation and transfers.
Andrabi said that Imams and Khateebs would have to be consulted by the administrators of shrines and Masjids in decisions regarding religious activities.
