UP govt recommends CBI inquiry into irregular sale of waqf properties

The Uttar Pradesh government recommended a CBI inquiry into the irregular sale, purchase, and transfer of waqf properties on October 12. According to reports, a letter in this regard requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry has been sent to the concerned authorities by the UP government.

The state government has recommended the CBI inquiry into the irregular sale, purchase, and transfer of waqf properties of UP Shia Central Waqf Board and UP Sunni Central Waqf Board. Cases have been registered in Kotwali Allahabad and Kotwali Hazratganj Lucknow in this regard.

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Digitisation of Waqf properties

Earlier, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the Centre aims to achieve 100 percent digitisation of waqf properties across the country in its first 100 days. At the national conference of Central Waqf Council (CWC) in New Delhi, Naqvi awarded eight 'mutawalis' (custodian of waqf properties) under the "Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme" for better management of waqf properties in their respective state waqf boards.

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This is for the first time that 'mutawalis' has been encouraged and awarded for better utilisation of waqf properties especially for socio-economic-educational empowerment of needy, a statement said.

Naqvi also said for the first time since Independence, "the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is providing 100 per cent funding to develop schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, hospitals, multi-purpose community hall 'Sadbhav Mandap', 'Hunar Hub', common service centres, employment-oriented skill development centres and other basic infrastructure on Waqf land under Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)".

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Waqf properties

Waqf is a permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim Law, given by philanthropists. Central Waqf Council looks after the Waqf properties established in 1964 by the Government of India under the Wakf Act, 1954. The Council is headed by a Chairperson, who is the Union Minister in charge of Wakfs and there is a maximum of 20 other members, appointed by the Government of India as stipulated in the Waqf Act.

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(with PTI inputs)