Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 29: Minister for Hajj and Auqaf and Horticulture, Abdul Rehman Veeri asked the Auqaf authorities to adopt innovative measures so that its assets are used in an optimum and gainful manner.
The Minister was speaking at a meeting of Administrators of Auqaf Islamia of Kashmir division here today.
Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Executive Officer Auqaf and Administrators of Auqaf Islamia of Kashmir Division attended the meeting.
While reviewing district wise status of development projects of Auqaf, the Minister asserted that adequate steps are being taken for development of Auqaf assets in a time bound manner.
The Minister called upon the concerned to work with missionary zeal to protect the property and use the same to create more assets for use by the society. “Wakf is both a department and a religious organisation and has a lot of assets which could be utilised for the welfare of the community”, he said.
The Minister asked the Administrators and Tehsil Auqaf Officers to identify Auqaf land in their respective areas with business point of view and put to better use, saying that it would generate employment avenues for the un-employed and improve financial health of the department as well.
Mr Veeri said that the Auqaf is working under a well-knit strategy to provide more facilities at shrines. “Efforts are afoot to use Auqaf land/assets available in the State for commercial purposes to make it a self-reliant and revenue generating unit”, he said.
The Minister directed the Administrators of Auqafs to remove all the encroachments from the Auqaf properties. He directed the Auqaf authorities to submit a detailed report of availability, nature of Auqaf land, status of court cases besides list of encroachers twice a month, adding that notices be issued to encroachers so that legal action is taken against them. “Conduct joint visits at sites located in your respective jurisdictions to closely monitor and assess the potential of Auqaf land so that suitable assets are constructed and also start fencing work on vacant land wherever available,” the Minister instructed the concerned officers.
Laying stress on improving facilities and overall ambiance, Veeri directed the concerned authorities to devise a mechanism which will facilitate the devotees visiting the holy shrines. He said the caretakers should ensure that shrine properties are taken good care of, especially wuzu khanas and landscaping of shrine premises.
Threadbare discussion was also held on the issues regarding construction of shopping complex and allotment of Auqaf shops at various places, fencing of graveyards, repair and renovation of Ziarats etc.
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