The Minority Affairs Ministry’s efforts to digitize and validate waqf properties across the country have led to the rejection of over 91,000 claims, accounting for 11.4% of the total properties uploaded on the UMEED Central Portal-2025. This revelation came to light when Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed Parliament, providing an update on the progress made since the portal’s launch in June last year. As of July 17, a total of 7.99 lakh waqf properties have been initiated for uploading, with around 6.17 lakh properties being validated and approved.
Understanding Waqf Properties and the Verification Process
Waqf properties are lands or buildings donated or endowed for the benefit of the Muslim community, and their management and administration are overseen by the Waqf Boards in each state. The UMEED Central Portal-2025 was launched to create a digital repository of these properties, aiming to bring transparency and accountability in their management. The verification process involves validating the ownership and other details of the properties, which are then approved or rejected based on the authenticity of the documents and information provided.
The rejection of over 91,000 waqf property claims during the verification process highlights the need for a thorough and meticulous approach in validating these properties. This not only helps in preventing potential disputes and encroachments but also ensures that the benefits of these properties reach the intended beneficiaries. The Ministry’s efforts to digitize waqf properties are a significant step towards improving their management and administration, and the ongoing verification process is crucial in achieving this objective.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The verification process of waqf properties is a complex and time-consuming task, requiring the coordination of multiple stakeholders, including state Waqf Boards, local authorities, and community representatives. Despite the challenges, the Ministry is committed to completing the verification process and creating a comprehensive digital repository of waqf properties. The approved properties will be made available on the portal, enabling the public to access information about these properties and their management.
The digitization of waqf properties is expected to have a positive impact on the Muslim community, enabling them to access information about these properties and their benefits. It will also help in identifying potential encroachments and disputes, allowing for timely interventions and resolutions. As the verification process continues, it is essential to address the challenges and concerns of the stakeholders, ensuring that the digitization of waqf properties is a success and benefits the intended beneficiaries.
Conclusion and the Way Forward
The rejection of over 91,000 waqf property claims is a significant development in the ongoing verification process, highlighting the need for a thorough and meticulous approach in validating these properties. As the Ministry continues to work towards creating a comprehensive digital repository of waqf properties, it is essential to address the challenges and concerns of the stakeholders, ensuring that the digitization of waqf properties is a success and benefits the intended beneficiaries. The way forward involves continued coordination and collaboration among the stakeholders, as well as a commitment to transparency and accountability in the management and administration of waqf properties.
The Minority Affairs Ministry’s efforts to digitize and validate waqf properties are a significant step towards improving their management and administration. As the verification process continues, it is essential to prioritize the needs and concerns of the stakeholders, ensuring that the benefits of these properties reach the intended beneficiaries. With the ongoing verification process and the commitment to transparency and accountability, the digitization of waqf properties is expected to have a positive impact on the Muslim community and the country as a whole.
