Up in Waqf Board Administration: Centre Proposes Digital Audit System

 Major Shake-Up in Waqf Board Administration: Centre Proposes Digital Audit System

📅 Published on: April 18, 2025
✍️ By: K&K 

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New Delhi – In a significant move aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties across India, the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has proposed the implementation of a nationwide digital audit system. This comes after recent reports highlighted irregularities and underutilization of Waqf assets in multiple states.

The announcement was made during a high-level meeting held earlier this week between Waqf Board officials, Ministry representatives, and members from state-level minority commissions. The central government has also sought recommendations from stakeholders for drafting new guidelines to streamline the leasing, encroachment handling, and financial auditing of Waqf properties.

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🔍 Background

India has over 8 lakh Waqf properties, one of the largest portfolios of Islamic charitable endowments in the world. However, only a fraction of them are reportedly used effectively for community welfare, education, or health services.

In 2024, a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report noted “lack of monitoring” and “delays in audit reports,” especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra.

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🛠️ What’s New?

• Digital Property Ledger: A centralized online system is being developed to record details of all Waqf land, rental incomes, and active leases.

• Biometric Verification for Mutawallis (custodians): To prevent fraud and ensure traceability of custodians managing Waqf assets.

• Public Access Portal: Citizens will soon be able to view Waqf land records and lodge complaints online.

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🗣️ Reactions

While many see this as a welcome reform, some community leaders have expressed concerns about the potential “over-centralization” of Waqf matters, which have traditionally been governed by state boards.

"Transparency is important, but the autonomy of religious institutions should also be protected," said Maulana Rahmat Ali, a senior cleric based in Lucknow.

Meanwhile, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has called for a national consultation before finalizing the new framework.

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📌 What to Expect Next

The Ministry of Minority Affairs is expected to release a draft proposal for public comments by June 2025, with pilot implementation in Delhi, Karnataka, and Telangana by year-end.