By TwoCircles.net staff reporter

Kolkata : The state government has decided to seek Imams’ help in awakening the masses to social and health issues. The government held a training session for Imams at the Haj House on January 22. About 100 Imams from different parts of the state attended the program.

The training session titled 'Role of Imams for the uplift of Muslim society' was part of the government's attempt to get the support of Muslim clerics for campaigning for issues like education and health.

Imams can help in generating awareness on various issues. Besides offering religious services, they have a significant role to play in society, said Ishaque Madani, a member of the state waqf board. As not many Imams could attend the session, the authorities may be planning to hold such training camps in other disctrics.

Imams from several districts including Kolkata, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Malda, Nadia, Howrah, Hooghly and the Parganas attended the session. During the program, organised by the state Minorities Development and Welfare Department, they discusses several issues like education, health awareness, management of mosques, communal harmony and marriage registration.

"This was for reminding Imams of their responsibilities. Imams have played a significant role where administrative officials have failed. Polio is one example. Now, if the government wants Imams’help in tackling social problems, there is no harm," said Quari Fazlur Rahman, Imam-e-Eidain. "I welcome the programme. I have said that no one should attempt to get political support from the Imams. But social development is an
exception," he added.

The government is also considering to increase salaries for Imams who are not adequately paid despite good revenue earned by some Waqf properties.

"We are looking into all aspects concerning Imams, including salaries," said the minister of state for minorities Abdus Sattar.