AP Releases ₹45 Crore Honorarium to Imams, Mouzans Ahead of Ramzan

The Andhra Pradesh government has released ₹45 crore as honorarium to Imams and Mouzans , clearing six months of pending dues and reinforcing its minority welfare outreach ahead of Ramzan . The funds, sanctioned under the directions of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu , will benefit nearly 5,000 mosques across the state, with each mosque receiving ₹15,000 per month for the period from October 2025 to March 2026 . The disbursement follows the Chief Minister’s participation in a state Iftar gathering , underscoring both administrative action and symbolic community engagement.

An Imam is the prayer leader of a mosque who conducts daily prayers, delivers sermons (khutbah) , and provides religious guidance to the community. A Mouzan (Muezzin) , on the other hand, is responsible for giving the Azan (call to prayer) five times a day, ensuring the smooth observance of prayer schedules. Both play a central role in the religious and social life of Muslim communities, particularly during Ramzan when mosque activities intensify.

The honorarium scheme, continued by successive governments in Andhra Pradesh, is designed to provide financial stability to mosque functionaries who often depend on such support due to limited or irregular income sources . Unlike institutions with strong Waqf-backed revenues , many smaller mosques lack sustainable financial streams, making government assistance crucial. Importantly, these payments are made from the state budget under minority welfare allocations , and are not linked to Waqf properties or their income , distinguishing them as a direct welfare intervention.

This latest tranche is significant as it clears a six-month backlog , addressing delays that had built up due to administrative and financial processing cycles . By releasing the funds within the 2025–26 financial year , the government has prevented dues from spilling over, ensuring timely support during a period when Imams and Mouzans shoulder expanded responsibilities in leading prayers, delivering sermons, and coordinating community activities.