The West Bengal government has commenced the crucial process of digitizing and uploading records of Waqf properties to a centralized national portal. This move comes in response to a directive from the Central government that mandates all states to complete this task by a strict deadline.
Central Directive Spurs Immediate Action
The Centre has established December 6 as the cutoff date for states to submit information about all undisputed Waqf properties under their jurisdiction. This deadline has prompted the West Bengal administration to accelerate its data-entry operations significantly. State officials confirmed that the work began immediately after receiving the formal communication from the central authorities.
Digital Transformation of Waqf Records
The initiative represents a major step toward creating a comprehensive digital database of Waqf properties across India. These religious endowments, which constitute significant land holdings and assets, are now being systematically documented in a unified system. The November 28 announcement marked the beginning of this extensive data compilation effort in West Bengal, one of India's most populous states.
Implications and Next Steps
This centralized recording system aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf properties. By creating a national database, both state and central governments hope to better monitor and manage these important religious assets. The West Bengal government's prompt response to the central directive demonstrates the state's commitment to complying with national guidelines while ensuring proper documentation of community assets.
