Mumbai: Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, concluded a pivotal visit to Mumbai today, engaging with Maharashtra state officials on the swift implementation of the newly launched Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Central Portal. This marks his second such review, following a similar engagement in Bihar last week, underscoring the Ministry’s nationwide push for the digital platform.
The UMEED Portal, launched on June 6, 2025, mandates the uploading of details for all registered waqf properties across India within six months. During the comprehensive review meeting with Maharashtra’s State Secretary, senior officials, and the CEO of the Maharashtra State Waqf Board, Dr. Kumar outlined the forthcoming rules designed to support the portal’s statutory requirements. He urged proactive participation from state authorities and invited suggestions to streamline the implementation process.
A key point of discussion was the CEO of the Waqf Board’s request for the Centre to re-examine and ease certain leasing provisions related to waqf properties. Dr. Kumar assured the officials that this request would be sympathetically considered, reiterating the Centre’s commitment to empowering Waqf Boards and enhancing waqf property management.
Beyond UMEED, the Secretary also assessed the progress of projects under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in Maharashtra. He directed state officials to submit all pending proposals to the Ministry within one week for necessary action, emphasizing the urgency of these developmental initiatives.
Dr. Kumar’s visit also included a meeting with officials from the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) in Mumbai. He extended congratulations for the exceptionally smooth and successful conduct of Haj 2025, noting with satisfaction the record-low number of deaths and health-related incidents among Indian Haj pilgrims this year.
He attributed this achievement to enhanced coordination between the Ministry, the Haj Committee of India, deputationists, Saudi authorities, and local support systems. Dr. Kumar specifically lauded the effectiveness of the “Haj Suvidha App,” highlighting its crucial role in improving pilgrim experience and easing on-ground challenges. Insights gleaned from this year’s operations will be vital in further refining arrangements for Haj 2026.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs remains dedicated to ensuring the efficient administration of waqf properties and facilitating a dignified pilgrimage experience for all Hajis, leveraging digital empowerment and responsive governance.