SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Minority Affairs has released substantial funds under two key Central sector schemes, Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme (QWBTS) and Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana (SWSVY), aimed at modernising Waqf Boards and promoting economically viable Waqf properties across India.
Replying to a Rajya Sabha question, Minister Kiren Rijiju said the schemes are intended to strengthen institutional capacity, improve record-keeping, automate processes, and make Waqf Boards self-reliant. Under QWBTS, the focus is on computerisation of waqf property records, leasing and litigation tracking, and development of a centralised web-based platform. SWSVY provides interest-free loans for the construction of commercial complexes, marriage halls, hospitals, cold storage facilities, and other viable projects on Waqf lands, with a ceiling of Rs 2 crore or 75 percent of the project cost, whichever is lower.
Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, QWBTS received Rs 21.11 crore in grants-in-aid, while actual expenditure exceeded Rs 35.78 crore, including utilisation of previous balances. SWSVY received Rs 7.16 crore, with cumulative expenditure of Rs 9.05 crore over the same period. The Ministry clarified that some of the expenditure during 2019-2022 was funded using previous balances of sanctioned grants.
To ensure accountability and effective implementation, the Ministry has appointed a Joint Secretary-level Nodal Officer to oversee both schemes. Implementation is monitored through a Steering Committee at the Ministry level, a Project Management Committee (PMC) headed by NIC officials, and a dedicated Monitoring Committee under the Central Waqf Council.
