With the Union government’s Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) portal now a reality and a training session for southern states scheduled for early October, the Telangana State Waqf Board (TSWB) is accelerating its efforts to meticulously document all Waqf properties under its care.
On Tuesday, TSWB Chairman Syed Azmatuallah Husseni held a crucial meeting with board officials to assess the current status. A reliable source close to the meeting indicated that the primary focus was to safeguard Waqf properties across the state, even as petitions challenging the portal are being heard in the Supreme Court.
The source elaborated, ‘The board acknowledges the All India Muslim Personal Law Board’s (AIMPLB) opposition to the portal, and we respect their position. However, if the Supreme Court does not issue a stay, the board could face significant legal challenges and potential litigation for failing to upload necessary Waqf property documents. The Chairman is determined to prevent such an outcome.’
The TSWB confirmed that Mr. Husseni instructed officials to raise awareness among ‘mutawallis’ (managers of Waqf institutions) and the various Waqf institution managing committees. He also mandated the development of a comprehensive action plan, to be finalized after the training session slated for October 6 in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, the TSWB’s records room remains under the control of the revenue department. Despite this, board officials confirmed that staff can still access property documents as needed. ‘The room is currently held by the Collector,’ an official stated.
This initiative follows recent controversy when the Minorities Welfare department, after proceedings in the Telangana High Court, issued an order removing former Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Asadullah. This decision drew widespread criticism from various groups, including the mutawalli community, TSWB member Syed Abul Fateh Bandagi Badeshah Quadri, Majlis Bachao Tehreek spokesperson Amjed Ullah Khan, and Congress leader Osman al Hajiri.