Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: The Auqaf Department is mulling the idea of constructing Polytechnic College, Para Medical College and a Sarai on Waqf land in Jammu. This was revealed in the 15th meeting of State Waqf Council (SWC) held under the chairmanship of Minister for Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri here today. MLA, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Mohammad Afzal Bhat, Secretary Law, Mohammad Ashraf, Executive Officer Auqaf, Abdul Sattar besides Mufti Inayat Ullah, Dr. Nisar Ahmed Wani, Abdul Wahid Tak, Mohammad Norani, Advocate Abdul Gani, Peer Nazir Ahmed, Er. Abdul Rehman, Shah Mohammad Choudhary and Ghulam Ahmed Khawaja attended the meeting as members of the State Waqf Council. The Council also gave nod for establishment of Madrassa at Ziyarat Shahdara Sharief Rajouri, construction of hotel at Katra, multi-storey buildings on the Waqf land at commercial places in Jammu, upgradation of Haj House Jammu, special allowance to 5 more employees of Shahdara Sharief and landscaping of the premises of shrines. The other issues which came under discussion include revision of Dearness Allowance in favour of regular employees of Auqaf, renewal of lease of Auqaf land, leasing out of Waqf land, construction of Jama Masjid at Khatika Tallab and shopping complex at Residency Road, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister directed the Auqaf authorities to take proper possession of the Auqaf land and other assets which have been notified under Waqf Property Act to avoid chances of encroachments. He called upon the concerned functionaries to adopt pro-active approach to protect the Auqaf assets across the State. He laid stress on the proper utilization of Auqaf land and steps for improving the financial health of this important body. The Minister called for regular assessment of the assets to ensure proper revenue realization as per the market rates. He also emphasized to ensure complete transparency in the functioning of the Trust. He maintained that Auqaf has a specific mandate which has been tasked to undertake welfare activities for the poor sections of the Muslim community. Mr. Veeri directed all concerned functionaries to identify Auqaf land and properties in their respective areas and notifying the same so that proper entries of such assets are maintained in the revenue record. The directions in this regard have already been passed to all the Deputy Commissioners, he added. He asked the concerned for preparing an inventory of waqf land and property ensuring its protection and preservation and put to better use. The Executive Officer Auqaf, Abdul Sattar gave a power point presentation depicting physical and financial achievements of the department.
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