Latest news with #TelanganaStateWaqfBoard
The Hindu
19-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Waqf Board, mutawallis in dilemma over new waqf portal
The Telangana State Waqf Board (TGSWB) is awaiting instructions from the State government on how to proceed with the Urban Monitoring for Efficient and Effective Decision-making (UMEED) portal with mutawallis in a dilemma about registering on the site. According to the Union government, the portal is intended to bring about transparency in administration and would also benefit Muslim women. Waqf properties will be geo-tagged and various e-governance tools will be integrated into the system. Mutawallis are expected to upload details and documents pertaining to waqf institutions and properties. However, sources indicated that only three registrations have taken place so far. 'It is as if both we and the mutawallis are in a dilemma over UMEED,' a senior officer at the TGSWB said. 'The portal was launched on June 6. There are six months for all data to be uploaded. Over a month has passed. We have written to the State government seeking instructions on how to proceed. A response, and clarity, are awaited.' To illustrate the scale of the task, the official pointed out that, according to the First Waqf Survey, Telangana has 33,929 waqf institutions. 'The portal requires personal details, institutional data such as extent of land, encroachments if any, and the number of court cases, among other things,' he said. The portal also includes a project monitoring unit (PMU). This is likely to consist of a State government officer, a civil servant, who will oversee the uploading and updating of documents. An official connected to the district collectorate, and a representative from the State Waqf Board, most likely the Chief Executive Officer, will also be part of this unit. Meanwhile, Syed Bandagi Badesha Quadri, a member of the TGSWB, expressed hope that the Telangana government would follow the example of Tamil Nadu. Its Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Union government to withdraw the legislation when it was still a Bill. He also referred to West Bengal, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly stated that the legislation would not be implemented. 'We are hopeful that the Telangana government will not implement the Act. As far as the Supreme Court developments go, the contentions are over waqf-by-user, the inclusion of non-Muslim members in waqf boards and the law of limitation regarding waqf properties. As for the portal, the Board has the required documents. It can help mutawallis access documents by coordinating with other State government departments and agencies. These include the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration, survey offices, and the Survey Settlements, Land Records, Settlements and Jagir Administration office, which can help mutawallis access necessary records,' Mr. Quadri said. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed the portal and appealed to Muslims and waqf boards not to register properties on it till the apex court delivers its judgement. Speaking to The Hindu, AIMPLB member and spokesperson S.Q.R. Ilyas said, 'We have already prepared a petition seeking to challenge the portal. However, we are awaiting the interim order from the court after which we will seek to tag the petition.'
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Efforts underway to arrange for Muharram elephant as Forest Department raises concerns
Efforts are underway to clear the decks for the inclusion of an elephant, atop which an alam is traditionally mounted, in the centuries-old Muharram procession in Hyderabad. According to sources, the Telangana State Waqf Board (TGSWB), along with officials from other departments, have been exploring possibilities for arranging the elephant, as the procession is likely to take place on July 6 or July 7, depending on the sighting of the moon. Correspondence regarding the arrangement usually takes place between the H.E.H. The Nizam Awqaf Committee, the Nizam's Religious Trust, and the government. However, it is the Telangana State Waqf Board that bears the costs of transporting and handling the elephant, along with other related expenses. These expenses amount to approximately ₹5 lakh, with an advance paid prior to the animal's arrival in the city. 'Of the ₹5 lakh, we have already paid ₹1 lakh as an advance to the elephant's owner. While the owner is based in Delhi, the elephant would have to be brought from Jaipur. The Forest Department has pointed out that the distance to Hyderabad is too great. We are now considering arranging for an elephant from a location closer to Hyderabad, such as Karnataka. Since an elephant is required for Bonalu as well Minister Ponnam Prabhakar is already cognisant of the matter. The issue will be resolved soon,' said TGSWB Chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni. Sources noted that except during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown restrictions were in place, the government, over the years, had consistently arranged for an elephant for both Muharram and Bonalu. They expressed confidence that a solution would be found this year as well. The sources also said that both of the Nizam's panels are on board with the current arrangements. Meanwhile, Mir Abbas Ali Moosvi of the Anjuman-e-Tahafuz-e-Huqooq-e-Mutawalliyan Mujawareen wa Khadimeen-e-Mauroosi Ashoorkhanajaat, an association of managers of ashoorkhanas, urged the government to provide cash grants to these places of worship ahead of Muharram. Mr Moosvi pointed out that while the Badshahi Ashoorkhana, a structure that predates the Charminar, and for which he serves as mutawalli, received ₹30,000 in aid, other ashoorkhanas in the city and across the districts — around 700 in total — are in dire need of financial support. He submitted a representation to Minister Ponnam Prabhakar seeking assistance for this purpose.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
All set for Bakrid celebrations today
Eid-al-Adha, popularly known as Bakrid, will be celebrated across the State on June 7. In the run-up to the festival in city, markets in Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, and several parts of the Old City witnessed a surge in activity, with streets bustling with livestock traders and eager buyers. According to buyers, the prices of sacrificial animals were marginally higher than last year. A pair of decently sized sheep was reportedly selling for around ₹25,000. The rush peaked on the eve of Eid, as people thronged the markets late into the night, attempting to strike last-minute bargains with traders. In preparation for the festive prayers, the Telangana State Waqf Board made arrangements to facilitate the arrival of worshippers at various Eidgahs under its jurisdiction. Temporary tents, prayer carpets, and water facilities were put in place to accommodate the large gatherings expected. The Id congregation at Idgah Madannapet is scheduled for 9 a.m., while prayers at Idgah Mir Alam and Idgah Amber Shah Baba will commence at 9.30 a.m.
