Mangaluru: Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader has called upon every Jamaat to ensure that all Waqf properties, including those belonging to mosques and madrasas, are backed by proper and updated registration documents to safeguard them for future generations. He said incomplete records have created legal and administrative hurdles in several cases and stressed the need for systematic documentation across Dakshina Kannada.
Minister stresses importance of proper documentation
Speaking after distributing registration documents of Waqf institutions at a programme organised by the Dakshina Kannada GCC Coordination Committee at a private hotel in Mangaluru on Tuesday, Khader said many Waqf properties in the district had either incomplete or improper records, making the registration process difficult.
He said protecting Waqf assets begins with maintaining accurate ownership and registration records, ensuring that properties belonging to mosques, madrasas and other religious institutions remain legally secure.
Khader urged every Jamaat to verify its property documents and complete all pending formalities in coordination with the concerned government departments.
Officials helped resolve pending issues
The minister said the issue of incomplete documentation had been brought to his attention, following which he convened a meeting involving senior and junior officials from the relevant departments.
According to Khader, the discussions helped resolve several long-pending documentation issues that had delayed the registration of Waqf properties. He appreciated the cooperation extended by government officials in streamlining the process.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Dakshina Kannada District Waqf Advisory Committee, the DK GCC Coordination Committee and members of the legal fraternity for assisting institutions in preparing and completing the required documentation.
More registrations to be taken up
Khader said registration of several mosque and madrasa properties is still pending and assured that another meeting with officials would soon be convened to resolve the remaining cases.
He appealed to all Jamaats and stakeholders to extend full cooperation so that the documentation process could be completed in a phased and organised manner.
The minister expressed confidence that continued coordination between government departments, Waqf authorities and community organisations would help complete the registration of all eligible properties without unnecessary delays.
Calls for appreciation of government officials
Highlighting the role played by government staff in resolving documentation-related issues, Khader said officials who contributed to the process deserved recognition.
He suggested that every Jamaat present letters of appreciation to the officers and employees who worked towards clearing documentation hurdles and facilitating property registration.
According to him, acknowledging the efforts of officials would encourage greater cooperation in handling similar matters in the future.
Suggests thanksgiving for Siddaramaiah, felicitation for D K Shivakumar
During his address, Khader also said the Muslim community should organise a thanksgiving programme for former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that his government had introduced several welfare schemes and sanctioned substantial grants benefiting the community.
He further suggested that the community organise a felicitation programme for the newly appointed Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Khader said recognising leaders for their contributions would strengthen engagement between the government and the community while encouraging continued support for welfare initiatives.
Leaders attend programme
Former chairman of the Dakshina Kannada District Waqf Advisory Committee Nasir Lakkistar presided over the programme.
Coastal Development Authority chairman M A Gaffoor, NRI entrepreneurs Zakaria Jokatte, Farooq Mulki and Abdul Hameed RMX, BCCI president S M Rashid Haji, former corporator Ravoof Bajal, Sinan Sakhafi, Anees Kausari and Muhammed Kunhi also addressed the gathering.
State Waqf Council member Abdul Rahman Kodijal and DK GCC Coordination Committee finance in-charge Farooq Abbas were present on the dais.
Among those who attended the event were committee office-bearers Kabir Lucky, Rafiq K H, Muhammed Mateen, Kabir K M, Farooq Portway, Kasim, Danish, Syed Taml, Hafeez Sasko, Basheer Al Falak, Arif Jokatte, K C Muhammed Ali and Zain Jeddah.
Advocate Zeeshan Ali welcomed the gathering, while Saifuddin Bajpe compered the programme.
Conclusion
Khader reiterated that securing Waqf properties through proper documentation is essential for protecting community assets and preventing future legal complications. He urged all Jamaats to complete pending registrations at the earliest with the support of government departments and community organisations.