Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, launched the UMEED Central Portal in New Delhi on Friday, marking a transformative step toward modernizing the management of Waqf properties across India. The event, attended by Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and efficiency in Waqf administration.
The UMEED Central Portal, named after the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995, is a centralized digital platform designed to enable real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties. Rijiju described the initiative as a “historic step” that will redefine Waqf property governance. “The UMEED Portal will add a new chapter in the history of Waqf property management and administration in India. It will not only bring transparency but will also help common Muslims, particularly women and children,” he stated.
Aimed at transforming Waqf asset administration, the portal introduces greater transparency, accountability, and public participation. It is designed to ensure that community-owned Waqf properties are utilized effectively to uplift underprivileged sections of the Muslim community. The platform features a comprehensive digital inventory with geo-tagging for precise identification of Waqf properties, an online grievance redressal system for efficient complaint resolution, and real-time monitoring to ensure transparent leasing and usage. It also integrates with GIS mapping and e-Governance tools for enhanced management and provides public access to verified records to foster trust and community engagement.
Kurian highlighted the portal’s role as a long-overdue reform, noting that it ensures every property is accounted for and used as intended. “This system will curb misuse and bring Waqf administration closer to the people,” he said.
Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, expressed confidence that the UMEED Portal would become the cornerstone of digital Waqf governance. “This platform will ensure Waqf assets contribute meaningfully to education, healthcare, livelihood generation, and social welfare for underprivileged Muslims,” he said.