Why in news?
The Union Minister for Minority Affairs announced that waqf property managers will not face penalties for the next three months if they have not yet registered on the UMEED portal. He urged mutawallis – the caretakers of waqf properties – to complete the digital registration process and assured them that the Waqf Tribunal can extend the deadline by another six months if needed. So far more than 1.5 lakh waqf properties have been registered.
Background
Waqf is an Islamic endowment of property, usually donated by individuals for religious, charitable or community purposes. Waqf assets range from mosques and graveyards to schools, shops and agricultural land. The proceeds from these properties fund education, health care and social welfare. In India, waqf properties are managed by State Waqf Boards under the Waqf Act, 1995. However, poor record‑keeping and encroachment have long plagued the sector.
The UMEED (Use and Management of Endowment for Empowerment and Development) portal is an online platform launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to digitise waqf records. It allows mutawallis to register properties, upload documents and track lease renewals. Digital records help prevent illegal sale or encroachment and ensure transparent management.
Current update
- Grace period: The minister clarified that there would be no penalties for late registration until March 2026. He emphasised that the Supreme Court had earlier directed waqf boards to complete digitisation by 31 October 2025.
- Number of properties: Over 1,51,000 waqf properties have been registered on the portal, but thousands more remain unlisted.
- Support for mutawallis: Mutawallis who face difficulties in the online process can approach the Waqf Tribunal, which has the power to extend deadlines and resolve disputes.
- Importance of registration: Digitising records protects waqf land from encroachment and ensures that rental incomes are used for the intended charitable purposes.
Significance
- Transparency: An online registry brings accountability to the management of religious endowments, helping beneficiaries access entitlements.
- Preservation of heritage: Digitised data and clear ownership titles reduce disputes and safeguard historical mosques, schools and graveyards.
- Community development: Efficient management of waqf assets can fund scholarships, health care and infrastructure for minority communities.
Source: NewsOnAir
