- UMEED Portal is a centralized digital platform designed for the registration and regulation of Waqf properties across India.
- Features of UMEED Portal:
- Properties will include precise measurements and geolocation data during registration.
- Unregistered properties after the deadline will be flagged as disputed and sent to the Waqf Tribunal.
- Legal awareness tools to clarify beneficiaries’ rights under the amended law.
- Properties registered in women’s names cannot be designated as Waqf, but women, children, and EWS will still remain eligible beneficiaries.
- WAMSI (Old System): The previous Waqf property digitisation system, known for errors, duplicate entries, and inconsistent data, was formally disabled on 8th May 2025.
- Waqf: Waqf is a permanent charitable endowment under Islamic law, where property is donated for religious or public welfare purposes.
- It cannot be sold, inherited, or transferred.
Key Provisions of the Waqf 2025 Act
- Separation of Trusts from Waqf: Muslim-created trusts under any law will no longer be considered Waqf, ensuring individuals retain full control over their trusts.
- Eligibility for Waqf Dedication: Only practicing Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to Waqf.
- Properties already registered with Waqf Boards will remain so unless disputed or identified as government land.
- Women’s Rights in Family Waqf: Women must receive their inheritance before Waqf dedication, with special provisions for widows, divorced women, and orphans.
- Ending Arbitrary Property Claims: Section 40 of the original Waqf Act (1995) has been removed, preventing Waqf Boards from arbitrarily declaring properties as Waqf.
- Section 40 of the Waqf Act (1995) gives the Waqf Board the authority to decide whether a property is a Waqf property or not.
- Waqf Tribunals: The Waqf tribunals consist of 3 members i.e., a district judge, a state government officer (joint secretary level), and an expert in Muslim law and jurisprudence.
- Aggrieved parties can appeal directly to the concerned High Court within 90 days of receiving the Waqf tribunal’s order.
- Government Land & Waqf disputes: An officer above the rank of Collector will investigate government properties claimed as Waqf to prevent any unwarranted claims.
- Reduced Annual Contributions: Waqf institutions’ mandatory contribution to Waqf Boards reduced from 7% to 5% allowing more funds to be allocated for charitable purposes.
- Annual Audit Reforms: Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh must undergo audits by State-appointed auditors.
- Technology & Central Portal: A centralized portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
- Mutawallis (caretaker of a waqf) must register property details on the central portal.
- Diverse Representation: The Waqf Boards will include two non-Muslim members for inclusivity, and among Muslim members, at least two must be women.
- Representation from Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Aghakhani, and OBC Muslim communities is also mandated.
- Application of the Limitation Act: The Limitation Act, 1963, will now apply to Waqf property claims, reducing prolonged litigation.
- The Limitation Act, sets time limits for filing cases to ensure speedy disposal and prevent delays in legal proceedings.