Ministry of Minority Affairs Reviews Waqf Data Digitisation on UMEED Portal

In a major step toward ensuring transparency, efficiency, and digital governance in the management of Waqf properties, the Ministry of Minority Affairs convened a comprehensive review meeting to evaluate the ongoing progress of Waqf data uploads on the UMEED Central Portal. The high-level session, held at Kavaratti Island, Union Territory of Lakshadweep, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to modernising Waqf administration through technology-driven solutions in line with the Government of India's Digital India and Good Governance missions.

The review brought together senior officials from the Ministry and representatives of multiple State Waqf Boards, highlighting a unified approach to enhancing accountability and efficiency across India's Waqf management ecosystem.

Key Participants and Objective of the Review

The meeting was chaired by Shri S. P. Singh Teotia, Director (Waqf), and Shri Samir Sinha, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. Representing the respective Waqf Boards were:

• Shri T. K. Rafeek, CEO, Lakshadweep Waqf Board

• Shri B. Sayyad, CEO, Maharashtra Waqf Board

• Shri Abedhusen Hajibhai Mansuri, CEO, Gujarat Waqf Board

The session focused on evaluating the digitisation of Waqf property data, reviewing the integration status of state-level systems with the central UMEED Portal, and addressing technical and procedural challenges faced by the Boards.

Officials reaffirmed that the Ministry is committed to achieving complete digital mapping and centralised monitoring of all Waqf properties in India, thereby enhancing transparency, curbing irregularities, and enabling better utilisation of these assets for community welfare.

IIT Delhi Study Praised for Transforming Waqf Property Governance

A key highlight of the meeting was the appreciation expressed by the participating Boards for the study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Waqf property management. The Boards lauded the study for providing data-driven insights and practical frameworks that have shaped the ongoing digital transformation process.

The IIT Delhi research has been instrumental in:

• Identifying administrative bottlenecks in data recording and validation.

• Suggesting standardised formats for property documentation and classification.

• Proposing evidence-based policy recommendations to enhance Waqf property utilisation.

• Strengthening data accuracy and governance mechanisms through technological integration.

Officials noted that the IIT Delhi study has served as a strategic guide in designing the UMEED Portal's technical architecture, ensuring that the digital system reflects field realities and administrative needs.

UMEED Portal: Driving Digital Transformation in Waqf Administration

The UMEED (Unified Management, Empowerment, and Effective Digitisation) Portal is a centralised digital platform developed to bring all state and union territory Waqf Boards under a single, integrated digital framework.

The platform aims to:

• Enable real-time data entry and verification of Waqf properties.

• Ensure geo-tagging and digital mapping of all registered assets.

• Facilitate online monitoring of revenue generation and utilisation.

• Provide an audit-ready repository of verified property records.

• Empower Waqf Boards with analytics tools for better decision-making.

During the session, the technical support team of the UMEED Portal conducted a detailed hands-on training and troubleshooting workshop for state board officials. Discussions revolved around improving data completeness, resolving integration issues, enhancing user interface design, and introducing AI-based validation checks to minimise errors.

The Ministry reiterated that the UMEED Portal is not just an administrative tool but a transformational governance mechanism designed to make Waqf property management transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric.

Strengthening Coordination between Centre and State Boards

The review underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination in achieving full data integration. The Ministry urged state boards to accelerate data digitisation efforts and ensure timely uploads of verified records to the central system.

It was agreed that regular technical reviews and capacity-building workshops will be conducted to support the ongoing digitisation process. The Ministry also encouraged states to adopt best practices in asset management, lease monitoring, and dispute resolution.

The collaborative spirit at the meeting reflected a shared commitment among the participating boards to align local efforts with national digital governance standards.

Waqf Digitisation: Enhancing Transparency and Public Trust

The digitisation of Waqf properties through UMEED represents one of the most ambitious initiatives in the history of minority welfare governance. India has over 8 lakh registered Waqf properties, ranging from religious and charitable establishments to educational and community institutions. Historically, challenges such as fragmented records, disputes, and lack of transparency have hampered their optimal use.

Through digital integration, the Ministry aims to ensure:

• Transparent property management with tamper-proof data records.

• Efficient resource utilisation for education, healthcare, and social development.

• Reduced administrative duplication and quicker dispute resolution.

• Public accessibility to verified information through online dashboards.

This initiative aligns with the government's broader goals under Digital India, Good Governance 2.0, and Ease of Living programs, ensuring that community assets are managed with integrity and accountability.

A Shared Vision for Empowerment through Technology

Concluding the session, Shri S. P. Singh Teotia commended the proactive participation of state Waqf Boards and urged all stakeholders to maintain the momentum. He highlighted that the success of UMEED depends on collaborative engagement, data accuracy, and real-time monitoring.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous commitment from all participating Boards to expedite data uploads, improve the quality of digital records, and ensure the seamless integration of all Waqf assets into the UMEED ecosystem.

The initiative stands as a testament to the Ministry's dedication to empowering minority institutions through technology, transforming Waqf management into a model of digital transparency and good governance for the entire nation.