AP Waqf Board Taking Measures To Safeguard Waqf Land Worth ₹2,000 Crore
After assuming charge on December 17, 2024, the board has brought in good governance. There is transparency in functioning with protection of waqf assets given the top priority: Abdul Aziz
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board’s performance over the past one year has emerged as a model for the rest of the country, with decisive action taken to protect Waqf properties, enhance transparency and boost revenues, board chairman Abdul Aziz said on Tuesday.
Addressing media after the 9th board meeting in Vijayawada, Abdul Aziz said after assuming charge on December 17, 2024, the board has brought in good governance. There is transparency in functioning with protection of waqf assets given the top priority.
The waqf board chairman said 953 notices have been issued across the state against illegal encroachments. Steps have been taken to safeguard nearly 820 acres of waqf land valued at around ₹2,000 crore.
In a major crackdown, 89 illegal sale deeds involving waqf properties worth ₹650 crore in Kurnool and West Godavari districts have been cancelled.
“For the first time in the board’s history, e-tendering has been introduced, resulting in significant revenue mobilisation. Collections of hundis and commercial properties have been streamlined. Compared to the previous year, the board has earned an additional income of ₹3.50 crore, registering a 46 per cent growth,” Abdul Aziz underlined.
He emphasised that pending honorariums of Imams and Muazzins for the past 18 months have been cleared with a payment of ₹1.35 crore. New welfare initiatives have been taken up, such as Taleem-e-Hunar for poor Muslim women. Special student incentive programmes have been launched.
The waqf board chairman said, “Through digitisation via the Umeed portal, AP has emerged as a national leader. Through sustained efforts, lands under the Waqf Board have increased from 65,784 acres to 81,402 acres. 100 per cent of the Waqf properties have been registered.”
He said the waqf board will be further strengthened with support from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT minister Nara Lokesh and Minority Welfare minister N. Md. Farooq. Protecting waqf properties and extending welfare will be among the priorities of the Waqf Board, he added.
