Union Minority Affairs Minister launched UMEED Portal

UMEED Portal, Objectives, Key Features, Legal and Governance Context

UMEED Portal is India’s centralized digital platform for transparent, geo-tagged registry & monitoring of Waqf properties under the 2025 Amendment Act.

Table of Contents

Context: AIMPLB criticised the UMEED portal, calling it “contempt of court” as the SC is yet to rule on the Waqf Act amendments.

About UMEED Portal

Full Form: UMEED stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development
Purpose: To digitise the registration and management of Waqf properties across India.
Launched by: Union Government (Ministry of Minority Affairs).

Objectives

Increase transparency in the form of real-time, geo-tagged digital inventory for all Waqf property records
Accountability and fair utilisation of assets solely for underprivileged Muslims, including women and children, must be ensured
Implement structured grievance redressal, digital lease tracking, and openness to records-public access
Enable better governance through GIS-mapping, documentation standards, and e-governance integration
Prevent encroachments and illegal sales.
Streamline the administration of Waqf lands (estimated over 8 lakh properties in India).

Waqf Act, 2025 Amendment

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, seeks to give more powers to the Central Waqf Council for supervision.
Controversy:
- Muslim bodies, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), oppose it, calling it an interference in religious endowments.
- Petitions pending in the Supreme Court challenging the amendment.

Registration Requirements

Within six months from the date of the portal launch, all Waqf properties are to be registered
Registrations require property measurements, geo-tags, ownership documents, and other details
Unregistered assets post-deadline become disputed and are referred to the Waqf Tribunals for adjudication

Key Features of UMEED Portal

Creation of a digital inventory with geo-tagging of all Waqf properties
Online grievance redressal system for better responsiveness
Transparent leasing and usage tracking
Integration with GIS mapping and other e-Governance tools
Public access to verified records and reports

Legal and Governance Context

Launched under provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, effective April 5, 2025
Registration of properties under women’s names cannot be classified as Waqf, though women and EWS groups remain key beneficiaries
The portal increases judicial oversight, as under the new Act, appeals from the Waqf Tribunal can be made to the High Courts within a period of 90 days.