Uttar Pradesh tops country in digital registration of Waqf properties on 'UMEED' portal

The news of Uttar Pradesh leading the nation in the digital registration of Waqf properties on the 'UMEED' portal is a significant development, underscoring the government's push towards transparency and efficient governance. This initiative, driven by the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, seeks to bring a long-overdue overhaul to the management of these vital community assets across India.

To truly understand the implications, we must first grasp the concept of Waqf. Derived from Arabic, 'Waqf' literally means 'detention' or 'confinement.' In Islamic law, it refers to the permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties by a person professing Islam for pious, religious, or charitable purposes. Once a property is dedicated as Waqf, it is considered divinely owned and inalienable, meaning it cannot be sold, gifted, or inherited. These properties often include mosques, dargahs, graveyards, educational institutions, hospitals, orphanages, and community halls. India holds the distinction of having the largest number of Waqf properties globally, with estimates ranging into lakhs of acres, valued at hundreds of thousands of crores of rupees. Historically, the management of these properties has been plagued by issues such as encroachment, mismanagement, lack of accurate records, and prolonged legal disputes, leading to a substantial loss of potential revenue that could otherwise be used for community welfare.

The 'UMEED' portal (Updation and Management of Waqf Estate by Evidencing Digitalization) is the government's strategic response to these challenges. Launched as part of the broader 'Digital India' initiative, UMEED aims to create a comprehensive digital database of all Waqf properties in the country. This centralized repository is designed to ensure transparency, prevent illegal encroachment, streamline administrative processes, and facilitate better utilization of these assets for the welfare of the Muslim community. The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs issued a clear directive on June 6, 2025, mandating all states to complete the online registration of Waqf properties by December 5, 2025, highlighting the urgency and commitment behind this initiative. Uttar Pradesh's achievement in topping this registration drive demonstrates proactive governance and effective implementation at the state level.

Key stakeholders in this monumental task include the **Union Ministry of Minority Affairs**, which conceptualizes and oversees the policy; the **Central Waqf Council (CWC)**, established under the Waqf Act, 1995, as an apex advisory body to the Central and State Governments on matters relating to the working of Waqf Boards and the proper administration of Waqfs; **State Waqf Boards**, which are statutory bodies responsible for the administration, supervision, and control of Waqfs within their respective jurisdictions; and crucially, the **beneficiaries** and **community members** for whom these properties are intended. The involvement of state governments is also critical for providing the necessary administrative and technical support for the registration process.

This initiative holds immense significance for India. Firstly, it embodies the principles of **good governance** and **transparency**. By digitizing records, the government aims to curb corruption, reduce disputes, and ensure accountability in the management of these vast assets. Secondly, it has substantial **economic implications**. Proper management and utilization of Waqf properties can unlock significant revenue streams, which can then be channeled into educational, health, and skill development programs for minority communities, thereby contributing to inclusive growth. Thirdly, it is a crucial step towards **social justice** and **minority welfare**. Ensuring that Waqf resources are effectively managed and utilized directly benefits the intended beneficiaries, helping to uplift marginalized sections of society. The digital records will also aid in urban planning and land management.

From a historical and legal perspective, the administration of Waqf properties is primarily governed by the **Waqf Act, 1995**, which repealed and consolidated previous Waqf laws. This Act provides for the establishment of State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council, outlining their powers and functions. The push for digitalization can be seen as an amendment in spirit, leveraging modern technology to fulfill the objectives of the Act more effectively. While there isn't a direct constitutional article specific to Waqf, the initiative aligns with the broader constitutional goals of promoting the welfare of all sections of society, including minorities (related to **Article 29 and 30** concerning cultural and educational rights of minorities), and ensuring administrative efficiency, which can be linked to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) that guide the state in formulating policies for public welfare. The government's broader **Digital India** program also provides a strong policy framework for such e-governance initiatives.

Looking ahead, the successful digital registration and subsequent transparent management of Waqf properties could have several positive implications. It could serve as a model for the management of other community or trust-held assets in India, encouraging similar digitalization drives. It promises to reduce the burden of litigation related to Waqf properties, freeing up judicial resources. More importantly, it can empower State Waqf Boards to efficiently generate and utilize funds for community development, fostering greater trust between the government and minority communities. The December 5, 2025, deadline will be a critical checkpoint for assessing the nationwide success of this ambitious and much-needed reform.