UMEED Portal

Context

Union Minority Affairs Minister launched the UMEED Central Portal, a unified digital platform designed for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties across India. The initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and public participation in the administration of Waqf assets, ensuring they serve the intended beneficiary communities effectively.

What is Waqf?

Waqf is a religious endowment under Islamic law, where property is dedicated in perpetuity for charitable, religious, or social welfare purposes, often benefiting the Muslim community.

Need for UMEED Portal:

Historically, Waqf properties suffered from poor management, encroachments, lack of transparency, and misuse, impacting the socio-economic upliftment of intended beneficiaries.

Key Features of UMEED Portal:

Creation of a digital inventory of all Waqf properties with geo-tagging for precise identification.
Real-time uploading and verification of property data to prevent loss or encroachment.
Online grievance redressal mechanism enhancing responsiveness and citizen participation.
Transparent leasing and usage tracking to ensure Waqf assets are used as intended.
Integration with GIS mapping and e-Governance tools to modernize Waqf management.
Public access to verified records promoting accountability.

Significance:

The portal is a major step towards digitizing and reforming Waqf property administration in India. It supports the socio-economic development of minority communities by safeguarding and efficiently managing their assets, particularly benefitting underprivileged Muslims, including women and children.
Governance and Legal Framework: The portal aligns with the objectives of the Waqf Act, 1995, which governs the management of Waqf properties in India. By integrating technology, it aims to curb historical inefficiencies and corruption.
Broader Impact: Efficient Waqf management can contribute to education, healthcare, livelihood generation, and social welfare within minority communities, thereby supporting inclusive development goals.