In a significant push to secure Islamic charitable endowments, a senior government advisor in Telangana has called for a complete and urgent registration of all waqf properties on the central government's digital platform. The move aims to bring transparency and legal protection to these assets, many of which remain undocumented, especially in remote villages.
Current Progress and the Rural Challenge
During a review meeting held on Tuesday, Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir, alongside Minority Welfare Minister Md Azharuddin, revealed that the Telangana State Waqf Board (TSWB) has made considerable headway. Nearly 74% of the state's waqf properties are now registered on the central Umeed portal. This digital initiative is designed to create a unified national record of these religious and charitable trusts.
However, Shabbir Ali expressed deep concern over the remaining unregistered properties. A substantial number of Ashoorkhanas, mosques, and other waqf institutions, particularly in rural areas, are still missing from the official database. The advisor identified a trio of major obstacles causing this delay: procedural holdups, lingering legal ambiguities, and, most critically, a pervasive fear among local caretakers and mosque committees.
Many in villages operate under the mistaken belief that registering their institution on the government portal could lead to a state takeover of their property. This fear and confusion continue to hamper the registration drive, leaving these assets vulnerable and outside the formal system of protection and management.
A Proactive Campaign to Reassure and Register
To overcome this trust deficit and achieve 100% registration, Mohammed Ali Shabbir outlined a clear action plan. He urged the Telangana government and the Waqf Board to launch a fresh, targeted campaign that would operate district by district. The core of this campaign would involve physical visits by official delegations to villages and institutions.
The purpose of these visits would be to directly engage with caretakers, mosque committees, and dargah managers. Officials would clarify that the Umeed portal registration is a protective measure, not a threat. The process is intended to legally safeguard the properties from encroachment and misuse, ensuring they serve their designated charitable purposes for generations to come.
While properties that have been officially gazette-notified are already on the portal, the advisor highlighted that a new extension feature would allow for the inclusion of the many remaining properties stuck in pending status. This technical update should be leveraged to its full potential.
Leveraging Tech and Resources for Faster Completion
Recognizing that logistical and manpower issues are also slowing progress, Shabbir Ali proposed a modern solution. He suggested that the board should hire young IT professionals through reputable agencies to accelerate data entry and streamline the use of the Umeed portal.
He pointed out that relying solely on older volunteers or community members, while commendable, is not sufficient for a task of this scale and technical nature. With the government possessing adequate resources, such strategic outsourcing would ensure the registration drive is completed in a timely and efficient manner. This infusion of professional skill would help clear the backlog and manage the ongoing digital upkeep of waqf records.
The emphasis from the state's leadership is now on converting awareness into action. By combining a sensitive, on-ground outreach program to dispel fears with a robust technical push, Telangana aims to become a model in securing and documenting its vast waqf heritage for the future.
