Senior BJP leader and former National Commission for Minorities chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura on Wednesday distributed insurance certificates to 15 temple priests at a function held at Shiv Mandir in Sahomajra village, revealing that the social security initiative has already covered 503 Granthi Singhs and temple priests across Punjab.
Pension dedicated to fund insurance scheme
Addressing the gathering, Lalpura said he had dedicated his pension to support the insurance scheme, which provides financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the family of a beneficiary in the event of an unforeseen tragedy. He emphasized that the initiative was aimed at providing a measure of social security to religious functionaries who often lack financial protection.
Lalpura, a BJP Parliamentary Board member, highlighted that Hindu-Sikh unity remained Punjab’s greatest strength and that members of both communities had always stood together in every circumstance.
Local leaders felicitate Lalpura
During the programme, local leaders including Vinod Kumar Sharma, Inderpal Singh, Dr Inderjit Singh, and Prince Kaushik felicitated Lalpura and appreciated the initiative for extending insurance benefits to Granthi Singhs and temple priests. The event underscored the importance of financial safety nets for religious workers who typically do not have access to formal social security schemes.
The insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh is designed to support the families of granthis (Sikh religious officiants) and temple priests in case of death or disability, ensuring they are not left without financial support during crises.
