Government to provide honorarium, festival allowance to religious institution workers

The government has issued a new policy to ensure financial and social security for individuals working in various religious institutions, including mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries and churches across the country. Under the policy, initiatives have been taken to provide monthly honorariums, festival allowances and skill development training for religious institution workers.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a notification on Sunday, September 6, titled 'Policy for Providing Honorarium and Welfare Assistance to Persons Working in Mosques and Other Religious Institutions 2026'.

The notification stated that individuals working in mosques, temples, Buddhist monasteries, churches and other religious institutions play a vital role in the country's socio-economic development, the spread of religious and moral education, the development of social values and the preservation of religious harmony. Considering their contribution, the new policy has been formulated to strengthen their financial and social security.

Under the policy, provisions have been made to provide honorariums to imams, muazzins, khadem and servants of other religious institutions. Additionally, festival allowances have been introduced on the occasion of religious festivals.

The initiative aims to increase the regular income and financial security of those working in religious institutions, as well as to improve their standard of living.

The initiative is not limited to financial assistance. The policy also mentions providing training to enhance the skills of the concerned individuals. Through training, efforts will be made to develop their various skills and create alternative income opportunities.

The notification further stated that the policy has been formulated in continuation of the commitments made in the government's 2026 election manifesto. The government aims to further strengthen religious harmony and social values by ensuring the welfare of workers in places of worship of all religious communities across the country.

Imams, muazzins, priests and others associated with religious institutions have long played a role in spreading religious education, morality and social awareness. Through the new policy, their contributions are being formally recognised, and they are being brought under financial assistance.

Those concerned believe that once implemented, the initiative will reduce financial uncertainty for workers in various religious institutions and further strengthen their social security.