Separate Wakf Board formation – GO issued

Hyderabad: Govt. of Telangana dissolved A.P. Wakf Board and formed separate Wakf Board for Telangana State. A GO was issued yesterday. Secretary of the Department of Minorities Welfare, Mr. Syed Omer Jaleel, IAS has been appointed competent authority for Wakf Board with immediate effect for a period of six months or till the new Wakf Board is formed. Mr. Mohammed Asadullah will continue to function as CEO of Wakf Board.

It may be noted that Central Govt. had issued a notification on 8th September dissolving A.P. State Wakf Board. Consequent on the appointment of Mr. Omer Jaleel, Mr. Mohammed Jalaluddin Akbar has been relieved of his additional responsibilities. He was functioning as Special Officer of A.P. Wakf Board and competent authority.

It may be mentioned that the appointment of Special Officer of Wakf Board has been challenged in High Court. The Govt. has therefore appointed competent authority to avoid legal complications.

It is reported that there was a lot of pressure on the Govt. from some parties for changing the competent authority since he had taken stern action against certain organizations and Wakf properties. A political party exerted its pressure on the Govt. for the action taken by Wakf Board against certain Mutawallis for their alleged irregularities. Although Govt. entrusted the responsibility of competent authority to secretary of the Dept. of Minorities Welfare but this post is of lesser status than the Secretary. It is also said that it is difficult for a person to hold the responsibilities of the secretary of the Dept. of Minorities Welfare and also monitor the affairs of Wakf Board.

It is understood that Govt. is considering the name of an IFS officer for the post of competent authority. After getting his consent, he would be appointed.

The affairs of Wakf Board are not properly managed and hence there is a need for the appointment of a permanent official who could discharge his duties seriously and honestly.

–Siasat News