Digitalization of Maharashtra Waqf Board’s Land, Property Records To Start Soon: Nawab Malik 

Pune, December 18, 2020: The state government has decided to digitize Maharashtra Waqf Board under e-governance program in the coming months, said Nawab Malik, Minister for Minority Welfare and senior NCP leader, in Pune today.

Malik was attending the inauguration of India’s first Waqf Liaison Center, set up by social activist Farid Tungekar under the Maharashtra Waqf Liberation and Protection Task Force. Malik inaugurated the office of the Center at Hindustan House, Kondhwa, Pune.

Maharashtra Waqf Liberation and Protection Task Force president Salim Mulla, social activist Farid Tungekar, former Income Tax Commissioner Akramul Jabbar Khan, Zakat Foundation of India President Dr Zafar Mehmood (Neral), Rehman Foundation President Maulana Sajjad Nomani were present on the occasion.

Speaking to reporters, Malik said, “The Waqf Board had not properly compiled many details. So many boards’ land information is not available. Many board land cases have been lying in court for years. On the modern era, the board will have to change and improve their functioning. Digitalization will help to boost the revenue of the board in future.”

The state government has undertaken this work and the board will be modernized. The board will get extra manpower and competent authority soon. At present, the board doesn’t have enough manpower and machinery for modernization. Documents will be digitized and the work would start in the next two months, he added.

Malik said that information of registrations, change reports, information of the organization, records, annual report, land dispute; current judicial status etc. can be viewed online by anyone on the computer with a single click.

“Many people are complaining that they are not getting documents, files and references found. All these problems are going to end now. Every document is going to be digitized. Anybody can check and view it. We will try to bring transparency in board working, he said.

“State has decided to open board offices in 36 districts of the state. The government will be providing the staff and necessary infrastructure to the office. I have given instruction to start the recruitment process. The government has decided to make the work of the board efficient and transparent, Malik said.

He further said, “Currently, there is no consolidated information on the board’s assets. Work has begun to compile it. Once completed, the land or property will be utilized properly. Some of the board lands have been encroached upon. Many properties have been given to different institutions on nominal rent. The Sachar Committee has mentioned that if the property of the board is properly managed and utilized, the economic backwardness of the Muslim community will disappear. Now, as per central governments lease policy, the board will give land on the lease of a 30-year contract, for the use of schools, hospitals, etc., as well as for the commercial purpose, tenders will be issued in a transparent manner. This will help increase the revenue of the board.”

“Organizations like Maharashtra Waqf Liberation and Protection Task Force need to come forward to curb misappropriation on board. This will help in curbing the misconduct of the board. We have to restrict corruption and the government wants help from such social organizations for that, he said.

“At present, the government has completed 90 per cent survey work of board properties in Pune and Parbhani. The same will be done in all parts of the state. So the board will get to know a clear picture of their assets. For this, organizations like the Maharashtra Waqf Liberation and Protection Task Force should help the government to find out the board’s property, Malik appealed.