In a landmark move aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the administration of Waqf properties, Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, today launched the UMEED Central Portal in New Delhi. The platform, developed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, was inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian.
Calling it a historic step, Rijiju said, “The UMEED Portal will add a new chapter in the history of Waqf property management and administration in India. It is not only about transparency; it will also benefit common Muslims, especially women and children.” He emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities and ensuring Waqf assets are used effectively for their intended purpose — to serve the underprivileged.
UMEED, which stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development, is a centralized digital platform designed to streamline real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties. The portal is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in Waqf asset governance through increased transparency, accountability, and public engagement.
Key Features of the UMEED Portal:
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Creation of a digital inventory of Waqf properties with geo-tagging
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Real-time tracking of leasing and property usage
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Online grievance redressal mechanism
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Integration with GIS and other e-Governance tools
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Public access to verified records and reports
Union Minister of State George Kurian highlighted that the portal represents a long-awaited reform to prevent misuse of Waqf assets and improve public oversight. “This system ensures that every property is accounted for and serves the purpose for which it was originally endowed,” he said.
Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, stated that the portal is expected to become the backbone of digital Waqf governance, enabling Waqf properties to contribute more meaningfully to education, healthcare, livelihoods, and welfare of underprivileged Muslims.
With the launch of the UMEED Portal, the government marks a significant step toward modernizing and democratizing Waqf property administration across the country.
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