The Government of India has introduced the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025. These rules aim to streamline the management and development of Waqf properties through a centralised digital portal and database. The rules were enacted under Section 108B of the Waqf Act, 1995, following its amendment in 2025.
Purpose and Scope of the Rules
The rules provide a framework for registration, audit, and maintenance of accounts of Waqf properties. They set up a portal and database to record details of Waqf properties and their administration. This system ensures transparency and accountability in managing Waqf assets.
Portal and Database Features
The portal serves multiple functions. It allows filing of Waqf details, registration of new Waqf properties, and maintenance of registers. It also supports uploading audit reports, court case information, and dispute resolution data. Real-time monitoring of Waqf registration and financial oversight are key features.
Roles and Responsibilities
The joint secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs oversees the portal at the central level. Each state government appoints a nodal officer, not below joint secretary rank, to coordinate with the central government. States must establish centralised support units to assist in data uploading, audits, and other activities.
Mutawalli Registration and Access
A mutawalli, the manager of a Waqf property, must enrol on the portal using a mobile number and email verified by one-time password (OTP). After registration, mutawallis can log in to update Waqf details and accounts. Other authorised users, including board members and government officers, also have portal access.
Governance and Monitoring
The portal aids institutional governance by providing comprehensive data on Waqf properties. It enables better financial management and supports surveys and development projects. The Central Waqf Council has full access to the uploaded information for oversight purposes.
Legal and Administrative Integration
The rules integrate court case monitoring and dispute resolution within the portal. This centralised approach helps in faster resolution of conflicts and better enforcement of legal provisions related to Waqf properties.
Impact on Waqf Property Management
The new rules aim to improve efficiency, reduce irregularities, and enhance transparency in Waqf property management. Digitalisation is expected to empower stakeholders and promote development of Waqf assets for community welfare.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of digital governance in improving transparency and accountability in the management of religious endowments like Waqf properties.
- Examine the challenges faced by state governments in implementing centralised regulatory frameworks and how these challenges can be mitigated.
- Analyse the impact of legal reforms such as the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on minority welfare and property rights in India. Estimate the long-term socio-economic benefits.
- Point out the significance of institutional mechanisms like the Central Waqf Council in managing religious endowments and how they contribute to governance and dispute resolution.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically discuss the role of digital governance in improving transparency and accountability in the management of religious endowments like Waqf properties.
- Centralised portal enables real-time data entry and monitoring of Waqf properties and transactions.
- Digital records reduce chances of manipulation, loss, or misreporting of Waqf asset details.
- Audit reports, court cases, and dispute resolutions are uploaded and accessible, enhancing transparency.
- Stakeholders (mutawallis, government officers) have authenticated access ensuring accountability.
- Automated notifications and OTP-based access improve secure and traceable management.
- Facilitates financial oversight and resource management through consolidated data analytics.
2. Examine the challenges faced by state governments in implementing centralised regulatory frameworks and how these challenges can be mitigated.
- Diverse administrative capacities and resource constraints across states hinder uniform implementation.
- Resistance from local stakeholders due to lack of awareness or fear of losing control over Waqf assets.
- Technical challenges in digitisation, data migration, and training of personnel to use the portal effectively.
- Coordination issues between central and state nodal officers and support units may delay processes.
- Mitigation through capacity building, awareness campaigns, and provision of technical and financial support.
- Establishing clear SOPs and regular monitoring to ensure compliance and timely data updating.
3. Analyse the impact of legal reforms such as the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025 on minority welfare and property rights in India. Estimate the long-term socio-economic benefits.
- Strengthened legal framework enhances protection and management of minority endowments.
- Empowers minority communities by ensuring transparent and efficient utilisation of Waqf assets.
- Improved governance reduces misuse and diversion of Waqf properties, securing community resources.
- Better managed Waqf properties can generate sustainable revenue for welfare activities like education and healthcare.
- Long-term benefits include socio-economic upliftment, poverty reduction, and community development.
- Encourages minority participation in governance and encourages social harmony through legal recognition.
4. Point out the significance of institutional mechanisms like the Central Waqf Council in managing religious endowments and how they contribute to governance and dispute resolution.
- Central Waqf Council provides oversight and policy guidance for uniform Waqf management nationwide.
- Access to the portal allows the Council to monitor compliance, audit reports, and property registrations centrally.
- Acts as an appellate and advisory body in resolving disputes related to Waqf properties.
- Facilitates coordination between central and state governments for capacity building and enforcement.
- Promotes transparency and accountability by supervising mutawallis and Waqf boards.
- Contributes to institutionalising best practices and legal adherence in religious endowment management.
