Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 2: Minister for Revenue, Haj & Auqaf and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Rehman Veeri, today asked the Auqaf authorities to properly utilize the Auqaf land and said that there is a need to take innovative steps to further improve the financial health of this important body.
The Minister gave these directions while reviewing the functioning of Auqaf Department in Jammu division, here today. He also reviewed the working of State Haj Committee with regard to Haj Pilgrimage-2018.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Shahid Inayatullah, JMC Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, CEO SWC Raj Mohammad, EO JKSHC Syed Qamar Sajjad, Administrators of Auqaf Islamia and officials from State Haj Committee.
During the meeting, the Minister took overview of working of Auqaf Islamia and sought details from the Auqaf Administrators about income and expenditure. He also discussed future action plan for creating infrastructure on Auqaf land to further generate revenue for the organization.
Chief Executive Officer, State Wakf Council gave detailed presentation of activities being carried out by Auqaf Islamia and the details of revenue generated from the infrastructure created on their land.
The meeting was also informed about the issues confronting Auqaf Islamia especially land encroachments which is directly affecting the performance of the organization. Various issues relating JMC and district administration were discussed with JMC Commissioner and DC Jammu in detail who assured that all the issues raised would be looked into and accordingly resolved at the earliest.
“The projects initiated by Auqaf Department for the betterment of people should be completed in given time and if there are any bottlenecks, they should be removed at the earliest”, the Minister said, adding that there should be a close coordination between Auqaf, district administration and other agencies involved in the process.
Veeri directed the Auqaf authorities to take proper possession of the Auqaf land and other assets which have been notified under Wakf Property Act to avoid encroachment of these prime properties. He called upon the concerned functionaries to adopt pro-active approach to protect the Auqaf assets across the State.
While directing for taking steps to improve financial position of the organisation, the Minister called for regular assessment of the Auqaf property to ensure proper revenue realization as per the market rates. He also emphasized to ensure complete transparency in the functioning of the organization.
Veeri asked the Auqaf Administrators to submit the proposals for creating public utilities in their respective jurisdiction so that people can be benefitted.
While reviewing the functioning of State Haj Committee, the Executive Officer JKSHC briefed the meeting about the features of new Haj Policy and preparations for the Haj Pilgrimage -2018.
The meeting was informed that notification for Haj Pilgrimage for the year has been already issued and process of registration is under process.
The Minister stressed upon the officers of SHC to ensure sensitization of pilgrims and to ensure all necessary arrangements during their pilgrimage.
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