AP Govt Releases Honorarium for Imams Ahead of Local Body Poll Code
The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday has released Rs 22.50 crore to pay honorariums to the Imams and Muezzins (mouzans) for three months, ensuring the payments are not held up by the model code of conduct, which has come into force
Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday has released Rs 22.50 crore to pay honorariums to the Imams and Muezzins (mouzans) for three months, ensuring the payments are not held up by the model code of conduct which has come into force ahead of the upcoming local body elections. The funds cover July to September of the 2026-27 financial year, AP Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Aziz said.
With the notification for local body elections expected soon, the election code is likely to remain in force until December. Officials said releasing the money in advance removes any chance of the code delaying payments to the mosque staff.
The state government pays a monthly honorarium to those serving in mosques as recognition of their service where the Imams are paid Rs 10,000 per month and the Muezzins Rs 5,000 per month. According to the government, the honorarium paid over the last 27 months now totals Rs 202 crore. The scheme covers 9,982 people: 4,991 imams and 4,991 muezzins.