Due to delay in ‘Umeed’ portal, the Centre has given a 3-month extension for Waqf properties. Minister Rijiju said that no action will be taken against those who try and further relief can be sought from the tribunal if necessary

Government says, no penalty or action for 3 months for delayed registration of Waqf properties on UMEED Portal

The six-month deadline for registration of assets is ending on Friday, but lakhs of assets are still off the record across the country. In this situation, the Centre has decided to give a three-month extension for registration of Waqf properties, so that those who tried but could not complete the registration due to reasons do not have to face immediate pressure.

In a statement issued early in the morning, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju clarified that “Today is the last date for registration, but we know that lakhs of properties across the country have still not been uploaded on the portal. Several MPs, social leaders and waqf representatives have demanded an extension of the deadline.”

He said that the Supreme Court had not allowed a direct extension of the six-month period, so the government cannot extend the date. However, he assured that there will be no stricture, penalty or legal action against those who continue to try to register for the next three months.

Rijiju added that complaints were also received from across the country that the ‘Umeed’ portal was slow in many places, while many people could not register on time due to incomplete required documents. According to him, the government wants “everyone to register their waqf property easily, hence this concession is being given.”
According to official data, more than 1,51,000 waqf assets have been registered so far, with Karnataka leading the way with 50,800 properties registered. Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and a few other states have also shown good progress, while many major provinces have lagged behind in this process.

The minister also clarified that according to the Supreme Court, if a person needs more time after the expiry of the 6-month period, the Waqf Tribunal has the power to grant an additional concession of up to 6 months. “So, those who have real difficulties, they should approach the Tribunal,” Rijiju said.

He also complained about the lack of cooperation of some state governments and said that proper awareness was not being spread to the people in many places. The minister appealed to the provincial governments to work responsibly in the future so that there is transparency in the registration of waqf properties and disputes are reduced.