The pressing need to get documentation in order, coupled with a relative lack of expertise and awareness, led a delegation of the Telangana State Waqf Board to seek an extension from the Government of India for uploading documents prescribed under the UMEED portal.
The delegation recently took part in a South India UMEED workshop in Bengaluru, an event it had been preparing for and ahead of which the Board had sought the cooperation of mutawallis (managers) and managing committees of waqf institutions.
According to a member of the delegation, who participated in TGWB meetings ahead of the workshop, the move came after deliberations with mutawallis and members of managing committees, during which it was found that more time was required to get documents related to waqf properties in order.
“We conveyed to the GoI team and those from the Central Waqf Council and other officials that we need more time. The deadline is December 6, which is too tight a window, and the properties several thousand in number. We have sought an extension of at least six months,” the source said.
Furthermore, concerns remain over gathering documents such as waqfnamahs, which are required under ‘basic waqf details’, boundaries as mentioned in the waqfnamah, the current area and the market value. If present-day details are to be uploaded, there arises the possibility of determining actual boundaries, taking into account encroachments, if any, sources said. This is a time-intensive effort, they added.
“Several waqf institutions continue to grapple with gathering documentation, especially waqfnamahs. Documents of some of the much older institutions are still a challenge,” the source said. “The data being sought is vast. Gathering all information continues to be a challenge. Details of mutawallis, such as whether they have been convicted or removed as mutawallis, are also a major concern. The authorities are standing their ground, stating that this is now law,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the Anjuman-e-Mutawalliyan-o-Sajjadagan-o-Khidmatguzaraan-e-Waqf Telangana Andhra Pradesh, a body of mutawallis, has been engaging with those managing waqf institutions to spread awareness about the portal. The stand of the Anjuman is that mutawallis risk legal hurdles if they do not comply.
Published – October 10, 2025 08:13 pm IST
