Hyderabad: A fresh dispute has emerged within the Telangana Waqf Board after internal instructions allegedly forced staff to implement disputed directives from the Minority Welfare Department. Officials and board members say the move weakens the authority of the statutory board and places Muslim religious properties at risk.
Sources inside the board said new memos issued by the Chief Executive Officer directed Assistant Secretaries to act on Minority Welfare Department instructions without delay. The orders followed earlier objections raised by the Waqf Board chairman. Officials noted that copies of the latest instructions were not shared directly with the chairman, raising concerns about transparency and intent.
The controversy traces back to a memorandum issued on January 6 by the Minority Welfare Department. The document curtailed the powers of the chairman and elected board, altered financial procedures, and shifted control over salaries and legal matters to the CEO. Board members said such changes violated provisions of the Waqf Act and undermined the board’s statutory role.
After public attention focused on the issue, the CEO issued another memo on January 12 instructing officers to proceed with the same directions. Board members described the move as an attempt to bypass the elected body. One official said the board risked turning into a ceremonial entity with no real authority.
Waqf Board Chairman Syed Azmatullah Hussaini reportedly wrote to senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary and Minority Welfare Minister, seeking withdrawal of the disputed memorandum. He stated that no department held the power to dilute authority vested in an elected board.
Concerns also surfaced over the transfer of legal affairs to the CEO. Several waqf cases involving valuable properties remain pending in courts. Legal experts warned that weak oversight could lead to loss of waqf assets.
Board members said internal pressure and departmental interference disrupted meetings and delayed decisions. Community representatives stressed that waqf properties exist for mosques, graveyards, education, and welfare. Any erosion of protection affects Muslim rights and institutions across the state.
