Bengaluru: The future of Waqf property management in Karnataka and Telangana has become uncertain following the Union government’s directive to upload details of all Waqf properties onto the new Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) portal. The portal was launched in June by Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju as part of the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
In Karnataka, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda confirmed that the state has received directions from the Centre. He stated that officials from the Revenue and Minority Welfare departments will examine the matter. Karnataka currently has 48,148 Waqf properties, many affected by encroachments. Waqf Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan revealed that large portions of land were lost due to earlier state legislations and private encroachments, with 95 percent of encroachers being Muslims.
In Telangana, the State Waqf Board has expressed hesitation over uploading details. Board officials said mutawallis remain unsure about registering, with only three registrations completed so far. Telangana has nearly 33,929 Waqf institutions, making the task complex.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has opposed the UMEED portal, urging Waqf boards and mutawallis not to register properties until the Supreme Court rules on pending petitions. The Board has already prepared a legal challenge.
While the Union government argues the portal will ensure transparency and efficiency, mainstream Muslim organizations remain wary of its implications. The lack of clarity from state governments has added to the uncertainty.
