BENGALURU, 7 MARCH

In a significant move to support minority communities, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has increased the monthly honorarium for Pesh Imams and Muezzins in the state budget for 2025-26. The revised allocations raise the honorarium to Rs 6,000 for Pesh Imams (chief imams) and Rs 5,000 for Muezzins (those who call to prayer), up from the previous Rs 4,000 and Rs 3,000, respectively.

This decision follows persistent demands from religious leaders for a pay hike. Recently, a delegation of Muslim imams met with Cabinet Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Affairs, B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, urging an increase. The minister had proposed raising the honorarium to Rs 10,000 for Pesh Imams and Rs 8,000 for Muezzins and promised additional support for workers in graveyards and dargahs. Despite the raise, concerns remain over delayed payments coming in as late as 20th of the month.

The Supreme Court had, in 1992, directed state governments to provide monthly allowances for these roles. Karnataka became the first state to implement such a scheme in 2014 under Waqf Minister Qamarul Islam, initially setting the honorarium at Rs 3,100 for Pesh Imams and Rs 2,500 for Muezzins. However, many in the community have long argued that these amounts were insufficient.

Moulana Shabbir Ahmed Nadvi of Khadria Masjid on Millers Road also pointed out broader reforms are necessary for those mosques not registered under Waqf board.