AMN / New Delhi
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday said that more than 2,000 criminal cases have been filed in connection with encroachment on Waqf properties by Waqf mafias and strict action taken against many sitting at top posts in Waqf boards in last three years,
Addressing 76th meeting of Central Waqf Council in New Delhi, Naqvi said that waqf properties are being utilised for socio-economic-educational empowerment of the needy people of the society under the Centre’s Modi Government after making these properties free from encroachment on “waqf mafias”. Various projects related to educational, social and skill development are being initiated on these properties.
Naqvi said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs is making efforts to ensure that all the waqf boards and their records across the country are made digital. The Ministry has been providing all possible help to the state waqf boards. The Computerisation of waqf boards and their properties will help in ensuring transparency.
Naqvi said that a one-man “Board of Adjudication” at the Central level has been established under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court justice to deal with complaints and disputes regarding waqf properties. Three-member tribunals are being established in the states. About 21 states have established these tribunals so far. Other states should also do this soon. There are about 5,12,556 registered and non-registered waqf properties across the country. The number may increase after computerisation of all waqf properties.
He said that Ministry of Minority Affairs has been working towards socio-economic-educational empowerment of all the notified Minorities- Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Parsi and Jain- effectively as a mission and commitment.