At its 15th board meeting in Nellore's Command Control Room, Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board revealed recovery of nearly 700 acres of encroached land. Chairman Abdul Aziz noted major recoveries in SPSR Nellore district: 56 acres in Kovur,24 acres in Kandukur,and 34 acres in Ramayapatnam over recent years.
Aziz stressed board's resolve to reclaim all lost Waqf land . Legal battles rage in Supreme Court. He also outlined big plans to boost education for underprivileged Muslim students, claiming initiatives unmatched in India.
“We've decided to provide corporate residential education,” he said, aiming to uplift those in need. Besides education, skill development centers are set up. Despite low income, Aziz said the board manages thousands of acres and formed a rent review committee to tackle financial woes .
To raise revenue,the board plans to auction thousands of acres of Waqf land,offering 30-year commercial and three-year agricultural leases. Aziz mentioned a solar project on 193 acres in Anantapur that used to bring in just ₹1.70 lakh annually. The auction could yield ₹62 lakh per year.
On illegal sales,Aziz said some caretakers, or Muthawallis, sold Waqf properties unlawfully. He vowed to file criminal cases against them and urged political leaders not to meddle. “Illegal sales have surfaced,” he remarked.
To strengthen operations,Aziz announced recruitment of 32 new staff,with hiring set to start soon. Details on disciplinary actions remain under wraps pending inquiries,but he assured appropriate measures against misconduct . Questions linger…
