Telangana Wakf Board without full-time CEO for 3 years; members mull approaching HC

Hyderabad: For the last three years, the functioning of the Telangana State Wakf Board has been severely hit as the state government has dragged its feet on appointing a permanent chief executive officer (CEO).

The in-charge CEO has been continuing his services against the will of the chairman and board members.

According to the Wakf Act, the CEO holds powers to protect Wakf properties. He has the power to control, supervise, and manage the Wakf Board in the state.

Telangana government, which had promised judicial powers to the state Wakf Board, has not appointed a regular CEO despite repeated pleas by the chairman and members.

On December 16, 2019, the state government had given additional charge of the Wakf Board to the director of minority welfare, Shahnawaz Qasim. A week ago, the state Wakf Board repatriated his services to his parent department and asked the government to appoint a full-time chief executive officer.

Chairman Masiullah Khan said, "We had passed a resolution unanimously to repatriate his services. Members had a view that we need a regular CEO for the smooth functioning of the Board. According to Wakf Act, there shall be a full-time chief executive officer who is a Muslim and not below the rank of deputy secretary."

Khaja Moinuddin, a deputy superintendent of police, posted on deputation at the Board, was appointed in-charge CEO in place of Shahnawaz Qasim at the last meeting of the Board. However, he was reluctant to take charge.

Meanwhile, Shahanawaz Qasim has been continuing as in-charge CEO of the Board. He said he has not received any instructions from the government to leave the post.

One of the board members is mulling approaching the High Court seeking full-time CEO for the Wakf Board.

Wakf properties in Telangana

There are 33,929 Wakf institutions in the state with a total landed property of 77,538 acres. However, over 57,428 acres have been encroached upon by private and government bodies. The Board has control over 20,110 acres. However, the annual revenue is just Rs 5 crore.

A total of 2892 Wakf Board property cases are pending in various courts. Wakf Board's legal cell is very weak. It has only two to three qualified lawyers to plead their cases.