In a major reform aimed at streamlining the management of Waqf assets across India, the Union Government has notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025. The notification, published in the Gazette of India on July 3, 2025, makes it mandatory for all the Waqf properties to be registered on a centralised online portal within 90 days, ushering in an era of digital transparency and accountability in Waqf administration.
Centralised Digital Database
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under Section 10B of the Unified Waqf Management Act, 1995, a central portal and database has been established to serve as the single repository for:
- Registration of new Waqf properties
- Uploading lists of existing Waqf (Auqaf)
- Maintenance of electronic registers
- Submission of accounts and audit reports
- Monitoring court cases, encroachments and development activities
Every Waqf property will now receive a Unique Identification Number (UIN), ensuring traceability across all states.
Click here to download the notification of Unified Waqf Rules 2025
Online Enrolment by Mutawallis
Under the rules, Mutawallis (managers of Waqf properties) are required to enrol themselves on the portal using OTP authentication via mobile and email. After verification, they must upload comprehensive details of each Waqf, including property identification, income statements, expenditure estimates and legal status.
If any new Waqf is created after 8th April 2025, the date the Waqf (Amendment) Act came into force – it must be registered online in Form 4 within three months of creation.
Timeline for State Governments
State Governments are required to publish and upload the notified list of Auqaf within 90 days of publication in their Official Gazette. In cases of delay, an additional 90 days may be granted, but the reasons must be documented.
Real-Time Monitoring and Oversight
The portal will feature a real-time monitoring system to track:
- Registration progress
- Property utilisation and revenue
- Dispute resolution and court cases
- Surveys and development work
The Joint Secretary (Waqf Division), Ministry of Minority Affairs, has been designated as the supervising authority, while each state will appoint a Joint Secretary-level Nodal Officer and set up a Centralised Support Unit for coordination.
Verification and Annual Reporting
After Mutawalli files details online, the Board’s Chief Executive Officer must verify and certify the accuracy within 10 days. The Board is also responsible for maintaining a live Register of Auqaf in Form 5, updated monthly, and publishing annual summaries of each Waqf’s activities, financials and any encroachments.
The rules come shortly after Parliament passed the Wawf Amendment Bill following 12 hours of discussion in both Houses in early April 2025. The President Droupadi Murmu gave assent on 5th April 2025, clearing the way for the reforms that became operational from 8th April 2025.
Officials say that the move aims to eliminate encroachments, prevent misuse and modernise Waqf governance by bringing all records into the public domain. It is one of the largest digitisation initiatives for religious and charitable endowments in the country.
