SIT to probe graft charges against UP waqf boards

LUCKNOW: A special investigation team will investigate all corruption charges levelled against waqf (endowment) properties managed by the Sunni Central Waqf Board and Shia Central Waqf Board in Uttar Pradesh. All orders passed by the two waqf boards, including appointments, will be reviewed by the state government. The boards will also have to undergo a special audit of funds allocation, collection and expenditure by the state government.
The decisions were made during a review meeting of the minority affairs department, chaired by cabinet minister Laxmi Narayan Chawdhary, on Tuesday.State minority welfare minister Baldev Singh Aulakh and Haj and waqf minister Mohsin Raza were also at the meeting.
The Sunni waqf board has 1.23 lakh registered properties, while the Shia board has 6,186 registered properties and is updating its list.
“A number of corruption-related complaints in waqf properties have been surfacing. We have decided to form an SIT to probe them. Complaints about orders being passed arbitrarily by the boards have been received. The government will now be reviewing orders against which there are complaints. These include the unconstitutional appointments of waqf mutawwalis (caretakers) by the boards,” said Raza.
In the review meeting on Tuesday, it was also decided to begin a drive to free waqf properties of encroachment and expedite waqf cases in courts.