The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed by Parliament in March 2025 and signed by the president in April 2025. Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development is what the portal\’s name means. To make things clearer and stop people from abusing Waqf properties, the Bill requires that they be registered in great detail, including their sizes and GPS coordinates.
Controversy and Legal Challenges
The Bill has caused a lot of debate, and several requests have been sent to the Supreme Court questioning whether it is constitutional. Some people disagree with certain parts of the law, saying that they might limit the freedom of Waqf institutions and make people worry about the rights of minorities. The court has not yet decided these cases.
What the Government Thinks about the Amendment
The government says that the amendment and the new portal are necessary for better management, openness, and the safety of Waqf assets. Officials stress that the law protects the rights of those who benefit from it, such as women, children, and economically disadvantaged groups, and aims to stop illegal activities and conflicts.
How to Register and What It Means
Under the new rules, all Waqf properties need to be listed within six months of the portal going live. If properties aren\’t listed by this date, they will be seen as disputed and sent to the Waqf Tribunal. The site will be run by State Waqf Boards, and there are plans for extensions in case there are technical issues.
Lastly, the opening of the “Umeed” portal is a big step toward managing Waqf properties in a clear and effective way. Even though there are ongoing legal challenges, the government\’s initiative aims to protect assets, protect beneficiary rights, and make sure accountability. This will build trust and give Waqf members across the country more power.
