Centre Notifies Waqf Rules, Portal, and Property Database Framework

New Delhi- The Central Government has notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Rules, 2025, covering key aspects of the recently amended legislation, including the launch of a national portal, property database, auditing processes, and maintenance of accounts.

The notification marks the beginning of the process to upload and regularly update details of Waqf properties on a centralised digital portal. Operational oversight of the portal and the database will be managed by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

As per the new rules, the portal will automatically generate a unique identification number for each Waqf property entered into the system, which will serve as a reference for tracking and monitoring purposes, according to reports from a leading legal publication.

The rules also specify that mutawallis (custodians of Waqf properties) will be responsible for registering properties on the portal using their mobile numbers and email addresses. In cases where there is a complaint regarding the wrongful declaration of any property as Waqf, an investigation must be completed by the designated government officer within one year from the date the matter is referred by the District Collector.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs recently sent the draft rules to the Union Law Ministry to operationalise the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which is expected to be tabled in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning July 21.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed in April, introduces significant reforms in the regulation and management of Waqf properties. However, several petitions challenging its provisions have been filed, and the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the matter.

Following the notification of central rules, the next step will be drafting model rules for states. A committee consisting of retired legal experts and former Law Ministry officials will be formed to create these model rules, which states can adopt with necessary modifications.

Additionally, to facilitate the uploading of property details, ensure proper accounting, and streamline processes at the state level, each state government will be required to appoint a Joint Secretary-rank officer as the nodal authority to coordinate with the central support unit.

With inputs from IANS