Mallika Dureja
LUCKNOW, a survey is underway to identify Waqf properties registered under the Waqf Act for the establishment of public welfare projects such as educational institutions, hospitals, parks, and sports centres, etc.
Minister of minority welfare, waqf, and Haj Dharampal Singh stated that the state government is eager to liberate these properties from the land mafia and utilise them for the benefit of the people.
“Since Waqf is God’s property, no business or residential activity is permitted here. We plan to clear these properties of encroachments and construct educational institutions, coaching centres, hospitals, and parks there, he stated.
He stated, “There are 162,229 properties in Uttar Pradesh, including 150,000 properties registered with the Sunni Central Waqf Board and 12,229 properties registered with the Shia Central Waqf Board. These properties are all situated in prime locations. The government has ordered the surveying of these sites so that schools, hospitals, parks, and playgrounds for the ordinary man might be built there.”
He stated that in the past, the state administration took severe action against those who occupied Waqf land. “In October 2019, the state government led by the BJP requested a CBI investigation into suspected irregularities involving the sale and purchase of properties by Shia and Sunni central waqf boards in the state. Moreover, FIRs were filed in Prayagraj and Lucknow, said Singh.
The minister stated that after the budget session, the work of designating properties for public welfare duties would be completed.
Danish Azad, minister of state for minorities, waqf, and Haj, stated, “The state department for minorities has been instructed to locate Waqf holdings that could be utilised for public welfare. Certain properties are suitable for schools, colleges, hospitals, parks, etc.”
In the meantime, the state minority welfare department has begun identifying potential Waqf properties in Prayagraj, where schools, madrasas, colleges, and sports/health centres might be established.
For this objective, Prayagraj properties are being inspected. The survey would be conducted by a commission consisting of a Waqf inspector and four other staff members, according to Krishna Murari, the district minority officer.
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“Vacant waqf sites that are suitable for the development of schools, colleges, health and sports activities will be selected with the approval of their’mutwalli’ (caretaker). The project, which aims to make better use of Waqf properties, would also enhance the department’s earnings, he added.
Waqf Vikas Nigam will finance the construction of buildings on specified Waqf properties.
There are 2,269 such properties in the district of Prayagraj. There are 2,106 that belong to the Sunni waqf board and 163 that belong to the Shia waqf board. Most waqf properties are located in Kareli, Khuldabad, Bamrauli, Dhumanganj, Atarsiya, and Chowk.
