Synopsis
A dispute has erupted regarding the Waqf Board properties survey in Madhya Pradesh, following Congress MLA Arif Masood's demand to halt the ongoing physical survey due to concerns about incomplete documentation and alleged inaccuracies in the data presented by the state government.Key Takeaways
- The survey of Waqf Board properties in Madhya Pradesh is under scrutiny.
- Congress MLA Arif Masood has called for the survey to be stopped.
- Masood cites incomplete documentation as a major concern.
- The state government is accused of presenting faulty data.
- The Joint Parliamentary Committee is involved in the review process.
Bhopal, Feb 7 (NationPress) A dispute has arisen concerning the survey of Waqf Board properties in Madhya Pradesh after Congress MLA Arif Masood urged that the ongoing physical survey be halted.
Masood, representing the Bhopal Madhya Assembly constituency, has addressed letters to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, voicing his concerns over the survey of Waqf Board properties in the state.
In his correspondence, the Congress MLA pointed out that the regulations being applied to Waqf Board properties might instigate future conflicts, alleging that documentation for the majority of the properties is incomplete.
He further accused the state government of delivering “inaccurate” data under the guise of the survey.
“The documentation for various Waqf Board properties is incomplete, making it difficult to conduct a proper survey. This could potentially lead to significant disputes regarding these properties. I have communicated with the Chief Secretary of the Madhya Pradesh government and have requested that the ongoing survey be ceased,” Masood informed IANS.
Additionally, the Congress MLA has urged representatives from Muslim organizations to unite against the survey of Waqf Board properties and to file their grievances with district administrations.
In response to Masood's claims, senior BJP leader and Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Rakesh Singh stated that the survey is being carried out per the recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and should not be contested.
“Some individuals engage in politics solely to stir controversy. They are not interested in resolution. This survey aims to free properties from encroachment and eliminate corruption within Waqf Boards. A select few are opposing it for personal gain, whereas the majority of the minority community has endorsed the survey,” he added.
Notably, the JPC has recently sought comprehensive information regarding Waqf Board properties in Madhya Pradesh.
There are approximately 14,986 properties belonging to the Waqf Board, and the JPC has requested details, including current status, khashra numbers, and additional records.
State governments have also been instructed to provide information about cases where their authorities are involved in legal disputes with Waqf boards concerning ownership or property possession.
The Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, Sanwar Patel, previously stated that the JPC has requested information on 15 categories, with 12 directly related to the Waqf Board and the remaining pertaining to the Collector and the Revenue Department.
According to sources, the Madhya Pradesh government informed the JPC that the State Waqf Board manages 14,921 registered properties over an area of 52,752 acres, as recorded in official documents.
