Telangana Official Calls for Extension on Waqf Property Registration

In a significant move to address ongoing challenges, government adviser Mohammed Ali Shabbir has urged the Indian central government to extend the deadline for uploading details of waqf properties in Telangana. The current deadline is set for December 5, 2023, and Shabbir is advocating for an extension of six months to one year.

Shabbir highlighted that many mosque and madrasa committees have faced delays due to late receipt of guidelines regarding the Umeed portal. He pointed out that poor communication at the village level, combined with frequent server outages, has hindered progress in the registration process. As a result, several institutions are still in the process of collecting old title, survey, and revenue documents necessary for compliance.

Challenges Impacting Waqf Property Registration

Shabbir emphasized that many committees lack the digital skills required to navigate the portal effectively. This gap in capability has contributed to widespread confusion and delays in meeting the upcoming deadline. He noted that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has already reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a formal request for more time, underscoring the scattered nature of century-old waqf records and the need for thorough authentication.

With the deadline approaching, many institutions are feeling pressured to upload basic entries. Shabbir expressed concern that without an extension, waqf properties may not be adequately represented on the portal. This situation has created a sense of urgency among custodians who fear that incomplete submissions could jeopardize the visibility of their properties.

Shabbir’s call for an extension reflects a broader concern regarding the management and digitization of waqf properties, which play a vital role in community services and religious activities in the region. The successful registration of these properties is essential not only for their preservation but also for ensuring transparency and accountability in their administration.

As the deadline nears, stakeholders in Telangana are closely monitoring developments. The request for an extension highlights the need for improved communication and support to facilitate a smoother registration process for waqf properties in the state.