Muslim leaders appeal to the government for deadline extension to protect and properly manage sacred Waqf assets
NEW DELHI — In Ajmer, Rajasthan, only 50 out of 350 Waqf properties have been successfully registered on the UMEED portal till date, leaving hundreds of properties pending, as technical difficulties continue to disrupt the registration process.
Officials from the Waqf Board, District Minority Welfare Office, and computer operators are working tirelessly, but the portal’s slow speed hampers their efforts. According to reports, it can take 20 to 25 minutes just for the portal to open. Sometimes, the site crashes after receiving the OTP, or the process hangs midway. These issues make it extremely challenging to register all properties before the December 5 deadline.
The Rajasthan Muslim Waqf Board has issued a strict notice to all district Waqf in-charges, warning that failure to complete registration by December 5 will result in dismissal of the concerned district committee members and mutawallis, along with legal action.
Muslim leaders had hoped that the Supreme Court might extend the registration deadline, but the court rejected the petition, intensifying concerns over proper management and protection of Waqf properties.
Addressing the ongoing crisis, Shia Chand Committee President Maulana Saif Abbas Naqvi said, “The UMEED portal has been down for the past week, creating a lot of anxiety among people. Many are still unable to register their Waqf properties.”
He added, “In some districts, internet facilities are limited, and many people are still unaware of this digital process. This is creating unnecessary stress and risk for property holders.”
Maulana Naqvi suggested that Waqf Board heads across the country form a delegation to meet the Union Minister for Minority Affairs. “We have also sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Kiren Rijiju, requesting that the UMEED portal deadline be extended. This will ensure that remaining Waqf properties are registered safely and transparently,” he said.
The slow functioning of the UMEED portal and the looming deadline have created unease among Rajasthan’s Muslim community. Leaders warn that unregistered Waqf properties could face administrative disputes or mismanagement, threatening the rights and assets of the community.
A spokesperson for a local Waqf organisation stated, “Waqf properties are sacred assets for our community. Delays in registration put these properties at risk and hinder transparent management. The government must act swiftly to protect these assets.”
With technical difficulties persisting and no relief from the Supreme Court, Waqf Boards and community leaders continue to push for urgent government intervention. Ensuring that all Waqf properties are registered on the UMEED portal is now a critical priority for safeguarding the interests of Indian Muslims.
