Breaking Down the Unified Waqf Management Act (Umeed Act)
Waqf property registration platform set to launch, promising increased transparency: Insiders
Get ready to dive into the heart of India's biggest shakeup in Waqf property management—the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, or simply the Umeed Act. This game-changer came into existence through the Waqf (Amendment) Act in 2025 and is all set to bring more transparency and accountability to the management of Waqf properties.
Crucial Reforms and Highlights
- Embracing Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) Recommendations: Ensuring equal representation and inclusivity for various Muslim sects, the Umeed Act welcomes several JPC suggestions[4].
- Preserving Land Rights for Scheduled Tribes: The act asserts the sacred rights of Scheduled Tribes to their lands, keeping their privileges intact as per the Indian Constitution[1].
- Improving Transparency and Accountability: Central authorities will be empowered to establish rules for registration, auditing, and accounts, ensuring the new regulations are clear and unbiased[4].
Central Waqf Council Redesign
- Diverse Membership: The revamped Central Waqf Council now boasts Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, women, non-Muslims, plus experts across various domains[1].
The UMEED Portal—Digitizing and Streamlining
Set to debut on June 6, 2025, the UMEED portal aims to digitize the registration and management of Waqf properties nationwide[2][5]. Key features of the registration process:
- Mandatory Registration: All Waqf properties must be registered with detailed information within a strict six-month deadline[2][5].
- Public Scrutiny: Land records mutation demands a public notice in at least two regional newspapers[1].
- Dispute Resolution: Non-compliant properties will be labeled as disputed, leading to tribunal intervention[5].
Mutawalli and State Waqf Board Roles
- Mutawalli: The Mutawalli is tasked with administering Waqf properties in accordance with Waqf principles and the Umeed Act's regulations.
- State Waqf Board: State Waqf Boards serve as crucial players, overseeing registration compliance, supervising Waqf property management, and resolving disputes if needed.
In summary, the Umeed Act aims to strengthen the management of Waqf properties while promoting transparency, accountability, and safeguarding the rights of indigenous communities. Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative legislation!
The Umeed Act, with its emphasis on transparency and accountability, aims to establish rules for finance and registration in the Waqf property management industry, empowered by both the Indian Constitution and JPC recommendations. The Central Waqf Council, with its diverse membership, has been redesigned to include union ministers, members of parliament, women, non-Muslims, and experts across various domains.
