The Central government has officially notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025 on July 3, 2025. These rules have been issued under Section 108B of the Waqf Act, 1995, as amended by the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, effective from April 8, 2025.
These rules cover key aspects such as creation of a centralised portal and database for waqf properties, property registration, auditing, account management and provision of welfare assistance.
The gazette notification said, "The rules aim to streamline waqf administration through digitisation, transparency and accountability."
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A central portal and database will be maintained under the supervision of the joint secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs. It will automatically generate a unique identification number (UID) for each waqf and property. These UIDs will be used for tracking and future references across all states.
Each state will have to appoint a nodal officer (not below the rank of joint secretary) to upload property details and streamline waqf-related processes. The portal will also be accessible to persons with disabilities.
Each mutawalli (caretaker) will have to register on the portal using OTP-based verification on their email and mobile. After successful login, they will have to file details of their waqf and dedicated properties.
If unable to file within the specified time, the mutawalli can seek an extension. All data must be certified by the CEO or authorised board official. The board will further verify the veracity of the details submitted.
After the property survey, the state must publish a list of auqafs within 90 days, which includes:
- Identification and boundaries of the properties
- Purpose and use
- Names of the founders and current mutawalli
- Details of occupants and income
This list must also be uploaded on the portal by the authorised state official.
Waqfs created after April 8, 2025, must apply for registration with the Waqf Board within three months. The application must be submitted through the portal and must include detailed property records, revenue estimates, expenditure and beneficiary details.
The caretaker of the waqf must maintain detailed accounts annually. Simplified submissions apply if the income of the waqf is less than ₹1 lakh. Audit reports must be published on the portal.
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A provision has also been introduced to use waqf income to aid widows, divorced women and orphans if the waqf has no legal heir.
The rules mention that "applications for maintenance may be submitted in Form 1 and will be reviewed by the CEO or authorised officer."
The amount will be transferred directly to the bank account of the beneficiary and records will be maintained in the prescribed format (Form 2 and 3).
Several petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 are currently pending before the Supreme Court. The court has reserved its order on staying the operation of the Act.
