Over 31,000 Waqf Properties Removed from Central Portal in Uttar Pradesh
Significant Action on Waqf Properties
In Uttar Pradesh, more than 31,000 properties registered as Waqf have been removed from the central Ummeed portal. This decision came after officials discovered substantial discrepancies and technical errors during a comprehensive verification campaign. Following the examination of documents linked to these properties, the registrations were annulled. Many claims were also rejected due to inconsistencies in land and ownership details. According to officials, a total of 31,328 Waqf properties listed on the Ummeed portal have had their registrations canceled so far, with 31,192 claims related to these properties being dismissed after verification.
Ongoing Review of Waqf Records
This action is part of a broader review of Waqf records in the state, where documentation for a total of 118,302 Waqf properties has been completed. Officials reported that significant irregularities were identified during the examination of land and revenue records, leading to these cancellations. In several instances, the khasra or plot numbers mentioned in the submitted documents did not match the details available in the records maintained by the Waqf board. Additionally, discrepancies were found in the land area cited in the revenue documents, raising questions about the accuracy of the registrations uploaded on the portal.
What is the Ummeed Portal?
The Ummeed portal was launched as part of a nationwide initiative by the central government aimed at the digitization and geographical identification of Waqf properties, promoting integrated management, empowerment, efficiency, and development. The platform's goal is to create a centralized digital inventory of Waqf properties and enhance transparency in their management. According to regulations, all Waqf properties must be uploaded to the portal within six months of its launch. This development comes amid ongoing legal and political discussions regarding the revised Waqf law and mandatory registration processes. The Supreme Court has denied extending the six-month deadline for uploading property details on the portal, stating that affected parties can seek case-by-case relief before Waqf tribunals in instances of technical difficulties or documentation issues. The central government asserts that the digitization aims to streamline records and prevent the misuse of Waqf properties. As investigations continue in various districts, further verification of properties may occur in the coming months, while disputed claims could be referred to Waqf tribunals for further hearings.