Waqf Act notifies, monitoring through central portal

The Centre has notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025 that deal with issues such as the portal and database of Waqf properties, the manner of their registration, conduct of audit and maintenance of accounts. The rules were notified on Thursday in exercise of powers under Section 108B of the 1995 Act, which was inserted through the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, which came into effect from April 8, 2025. According to the rules, a portal and database is set up for the purposes of filing of details of Waqf, uploading the list of auqaf, registration of new Waqf, maintenance of register of auqaf and maintenance and submission of accounts of mutawalli of a Waqf, publication of audit report and proceedings and order board under Section 48 of the Act.

The details of all existing waqf properties are to be uploaded on the portal within the stipulated six months as prescribed by the amended law. There are over 9 lakh waqf properties in India as per the data available with the ministry of minority affairs. The new rules also require that after completion of survey, the state govts must publish the list of ‘auqaf’ (waqf properties) and upload it on the portal and database, within a period of 90 days from the date of publication of the list in the official gazette.

The rules make it clear that if the Mutawalli fails to upload details within the stipulated timeframe, he will have to go to the tribunal to seek extension of time. After the Mutawalli files the details, the chief executive officer or any other officer authorised by the Waqf Board will verify the details of the waqf property and certify the authenticity of the information within a fixed timeframe.