Andhra Pradesh dissolves Waqf Board for ‘better’ governance
The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh government dissolves AP State Waqf Board to ensure good governance and safeguard properties, amid legal challenges.
The Andhra Pradesh government has dissolved the AP State Waqf Board to promote good governance, safeguard Waqf properties, and ensure the board operates efficiently, officials said.
The state government revoked a government order (GO) issued on October 21, 2023, which had elected three members and nominated seven others to the 11-member Waqf Board.
"In the interest of maintaining good governance, protecting Waqf properties, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Waqf Board, the government hereby withdraws GO MS No. 47 (which constituted the board) with immediate effect," said K Harshavardhan, secretary to the government, in a Government Order, issued on Saturday.
According to the GO, the Chief Executive Officer of the A.P. State Waqf Board informed the government that the board had been "non-functional for an extended period", and there were writ petitions "questioning the legality of the order" constituting the board.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for Minority Welfare N. Md. Farooq recalled that on October 21, 2023, a few individuals had approached the High Court questioning the process of appointing nominated members. The court had then issued interim orders halting the appointment of the Waqf Board chairman.
“Due to the legal challenges, there has been administrative stagnation in the Waqf Board. To resolve the issue, the NDA government has issued G.O. 75, replacing the controversial G.O. issued by the previous government,” he said.
Mr. Farooq further said that the coalition government was committed to protecting the Waqf properties and ensuring the welfare of the minorities.
The Karnataka government has drafted a comprehensive master plan for the integrated development of Kukke Subrahmanya temple, the State’s highest revenue-generating temple managed by the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department. The redevelopment initiative is estimated to cost around ₹254 crore and aims to enhance infrastructure and facilities for devotees.
Advocates in North Andhra unite for agitations to establish a High Court Bench in Visakhapatnam.
Telangana government leads rescue efforts for trapped workers in collapsed tunnel, with support from various agencies and experts.
Congress leaders in Karnataka continue public discourse on Chief Minister change despite central leadership intervention, urging unity and discipline.
Suvendu Adhikari demands NRC implementation in West Bengal amid concerns over 'false voters' raised by Mamata Banerjee.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has booked 112 cases against the unnecessary wastage of drinking water collecting fines up to ₹5.6 lakh in the last week.
East Coast Railway extends Bhubaneswar-Yasvantpur weekly special train services with nine additional trips for passenger convenience.
Over 1,400 pilgrims from coastal Karnataka complete Maha Kumbh Mela yatra via special train with some shortcomings.
Divine Touch School walkathon promotes fitness and gratitude with Police Commissioner as chief guest at Ramakrishna Beach.
MSRTC bus service between Maharashtra and Karnataka suspended indefinitely due to safety concerns after driver assault in Karnataka.
District police conduct extensive cordon and search operations to maintain law and order during Maha Sivaratri celebrations in Sri Sathya Sai district.
The rise in gold prices in recent months has severely hit the families who have marriages scheduled in the next few days in Tiruchi
Congress government in Telangana focuses on skill development, job creation, and empowerment, facing opposition from BJP and BRS.