220 committees appointed to re-examine Waqf Board lands

VIJAYAWADA: AP State Waqf Board (APSWB) chairman Khadar Basha said the APSWB has appointed 220 committees to re-examine lands owned by Waqf in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

At conclusion of a meeting of the board on Thursday at its head office Imdad Ghar in Vijayawada, Basha said as the earlier government had not shown any interest in protecting Waqf lands. As a result, 30,000 acres of total 62,000 acres of Wakf lands have been encroached. In order to protect occupied lands, the board has appointed 220 committees.

The APSWB chairman said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has appointed an expert committee for developing the remaining 32,000 acres of Waqf lands.

He pointed out that there are 100 commercial properties on Waqf lands. He felt that if these commercial places are leased for 30 years, the board could get regular income.

Kurnool MLA and board member Hafiz Khan said the legal system is weak when it comes to matters of property. APSWB is planning to appoint two standing councils and law officers for taking up matters related to Waqf in courts.

Others who participated in the meeting of Waqf board were members Bashir Ahmed, Shabnam Afroz and board CEO L. Abdul Qadir.