Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Minority Affairs has launched an additional module on the UMEED Portal to allow widows, divorced women, and orphans to apply for maintenance support from Waqf-alal-aulad properties.
About UMEED Portal
What it is ?
- UMEED stands for Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development. It is a centralized digital platformfor registering and regulating Waqf properties across India.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs, in coordination with State Waqf Boards and judicial authorities.
- Objectives of the Portal:
- Ensure transparent and time-bound registration of Waqf properties.
- Empower beneficiaries with digital access to rights, obligations, and legal safeguards.
- Resolve long-standing property disputes and enhance accountability.
- Facilitate policy-level insights through real-time data and geotagged mapping.
- Key Features of UMEED Portal:
- Time-Bound Registration: All Waqf properties must be registered within 6 months of launch.
- Geotagging and Digitization: Properties must include precise measurements and geolocation data during registration.
- Dispute Resolution Trigger: Unregistered properties after deadline will be declared disputed and sent to Waqf Tribunal.
- User Support Services: Provides legal awareness tools and clarifies rights under amended law.
- Women-Centric Provision: Properties under women’s names cannot be designated as Waqf, but women, children, and EWS will remain eligible beneficiaries.
- Legal Basis:
- Rule 8(2) of the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025.
- Section 3(r)(iv) of the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
- Waqf-alal-aulad:
- A special category of Waqf endowment created primarily for the benefit of family members and other deserving individuals.
- Income generated is used for maintenance of widows, divorced women, and orphans.
Key Features of the New Module
- Aadhaar-based authentication – ensures beneficiary verification.
- Online application & approval process – managed by State/UT Waqf Boards.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) – financial support directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
- Transparency & Accountability – reduces administrative delays and leakages.
