New Delhi : Following the launch of the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995 (UMEED) Central Portal on June 6, 2025, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has been actively engaging with States and Union Territories to ensure the effective implementation of this statutory platform. As per the mandate of the UMEED Portal, details of all registered waqf properties across India are to be mandatorily uploaded within six months.
In line with this effort, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, visited Mumbai on June 21, 2025 to hold a comprehensive review meeting with the State Secretary, senior officials, and the CEO of Maharashtra State Waqf Board. This marks his second such visit following a similar review in Bihar last week.
During the meeting, Dr. Kumar apprised the officials of the rules to be rolled out shortly to support the statutory requirements of the portal. He encouraged proactive participation and invited suggestions from state authorities to streamline the implementation process. The CEO of the Waqf Board requested the Centre to revisit and ease certain leasing provisions related to waqf properties. Dr. Kumar assured that the request will be examined sympathetically, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to empowering Waqf Boards and enhancing waqf property management.
Apart from reviewing UMEED implementation, the Secretary also assessed the status of projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in Maharashtra. He directed the state officials to submit all pending proposals to the Ministry within one week for necessary action.
Dr. Kumar also held meeting with officials of the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) in Mumbai, congratulating them on the smooth and successful conduct of Haj 2025. He noted with satisfaction that this year recorded the lowest number of deaths and health-related incidents among Indian Haj pilgrims. He attributed this achievement to improved coordination between the Ministry, Haj Committee of India, deputationists, Saudi authorities, and local support systems. The Secretary specially acknowledged the effectiveness of the Haj Suvidha App, which played a crucial role in enhancing pilgrim experience and easing on-ground challenges. He affirmed that insights from this year’s Haj operations will be used to further improve arrangements for Haj 2026.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs remains committed to ensuring efficient administration of waqf properties and a dignified pilgrimage experience for all Hajis through digital empowerment and responsive governance.