The Chhattisgarh Waqf Board has unveiled plans to make public and digitize all properties registered under its auspices. This initiative is a response to directives issued by the central government following a high-level meeting that included the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf, the Lok Sabha Secretariat, and the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The board, which manages an extensive asset portfolio valued at over Rs 5,000 crore, is set to conduct a comprehensive digital audit of its holdings.

An official circular has instructed district in-charges to compile and submit detailed records of all waqf properties — including mosques, madrasas, dargahs, graveyards, shops, agricultural lands, schools, and plots — by February 12. These records will then be uploaded to a centralized portal that will serve as the definitive source of information regarding the state’s waqf holdings.

Authorities have cautioned that strict actions will be taken against those who conceal property details or unlawfully occupy waqf assets.

In conjunction with the audit, the board has reached out to all mutawallis across the state, requesting detailed information not only about the properties but also the rental income generated from each asset and how these funds are utilized for community welfare.

“If any irregularities are identified, we will take steps to nationalize the property,” stated Dr. Saleem Raj, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board under the current BJP government. He further explained that while the assets are valued at around Rs 5,000 crore, nearly 80 percent are currently under illegal occupation.

“We are dedicated to obtaining accurate records, reclaiming encroached assets, and ensuring that all generated income is used transparently for the benefit of society,” he added.

Former board chairman Salam Rijvi, who served during the previous Congress regime, also acknowledged the impact of illegal occupation on the board’s revenues.

The Chhattisgarh Waqf Board manages a portfolio of 2,006 properties across various districts, including Raipur, Raigarh, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Mungeli, Dhamtari, and Durg. Urban holdings are estimated to be worth Rs 3,500 crore, while rural properties contribute approximately Rs 1,500 crore.

The digitization process will be carried out by IIT Delhi, aiming to establish a robust and advanced technological framework for asset management. This initiative is anticipated to not only streamline property records but also enhance the board’s capacity to pursue legal action against encroachers and address instances of mismanagement.

Reactions within the local Muslim community have been mixed. A community representative noted, “The strength and independence of our Waqf Board must be preserved to protect our properties.”