4 hrs ago
Maharashtra Waqf Board Faces Allegations Over Funds, Appointments
The Maharashtra State Waqf Board is being questioned about how it uses government money.
Salim Mulla said some funds may have been misused and asked for an official investigation.
He said most of the ₹4 crore survey budget was used in Pune and Parbhani.
He also questioned spending about ₹8.5 crore each year on a legal firm.
Mulla raised concerns about temporary workers and alleged appointments of relatives.
He also said the board receives ₹10 crore each year for infrastructure and administration.
Former chairman Sameer Qazi said there was no such wrongdoing.
Qazi said evidence should be made public or submitted for review before action is taken.
Waqf Task Force president Salim Mulla demanded an inquiry into alleged misuse of Maharashtra State Waqf Board funds.
Mulla alleged that 90% of ₹4 crore allocated for a second Waqf property survey was used in Pune and Parbhani.
He questioned annual spending of approximately ₹8.5 crore on a legal firm appointed by the board.
Mulla also raised concerns about temporary staff, alleged relative-based appointments and possible Revenue Department involvement.
Former board chairman Sameer Qazi rejected the allegations and asked Mulla to produce reports or documentary evidence.
- Who
- Salim Mulla, the Waqf Task Force president, raised the allegations; former chairman Sameer Qazi responded.
- What
- Allegations were made of financial irregularities, questionable appointments and delays in protecting Waqf properties.
- Where
- The press conference was held in Pune, with allegations involving spending in Pune and Parbhani districts.
- When
- The allegations were presented at a press conference on Tuesday; the article also discusses actions and funding from 2016 and 2017.
- Why
- Mulla wants official scrutiny of the board’s financial records, administrative orders, appointments and decisions.
Those Seeking an Inquiry
Those Demanding Evidence
Alleged financial irregularities
Those Seeking an Inquiry
Salim Mulla alleged that a Waqf Board member misused government funds and called for an investigation.
Those Demanding Evidence
Sameer Qazi said there was no such wrongdoing and asked Mulla to produce evidence before claims are acted upon.
Use of survey funds
Those Seeking an Inquiry
Mulla alleged that 90% of the ₹4 crore allocation for the second Waqf property survey was used in Pune and Parbhani, warranting scrutiny.
Those Demanding Evidence
Qazi did not accept the allegation and said documentary evidence should be brought forward.
Appointments and administration
Those Seeking an Inquiry
Mulla questioned long-term temporary employment, alleged appointments of relatives and possible Revenue Department involvement.
Those Demanding Evidence
Qazi said strict action would be taken against responsible individuals if evidence substantiated the allegations.
Key facts
- Organization
- Maharashtra State Waqf Board
- Survey allocation
- ₹4 crore was allocated in 2017 for a second survey of Waqf properties.
- Alleged spending concentration
- Salim Mulla alleged that 90% of the survey funds was used in Pune and Parbhani districts.
- Legal expenditure
- Mulla alleged that approximately ₹8.5 crore was spent annually on a legal firm.
- Annual government grant
- The state government provides ₹10 crore annually for infrastructure, district offices and administrative requirements.
- Earlier government order
- Mulla said Devendra Fadnavis issued an order in 2016 concerning protection of Waqf properties.
- Response to allegations
- Sameer Qazi said Mulla should provide reports and documentary evidence, promising strict action if wrongdoing is established.
Quotes
Salim Mulla
President of the Waqf Task Force who raised allegations about the Maharashtra State Waqf Board
“There is nothing of this sort happening in the Waqf Board. If Salim Mulla has any evidence, he should make it public through the media or bring it before us. Once the evidence is presented, strict action will be taken against those responsible,”
freepressjournal.in
“Of the funds allocated, 90% has been utilised in Pune and Parbhani districts.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Related news
Maharashtra Waqf Board Expands Offices, Digitisation and Institutional Capacity
Puttur Temple Panel Alleges Irregularities, Seeks Management Committee Suspension
Sapkal Attacks Mahajan Over Alleged Nashik Kumbh Fund Irregularities
Maharashtra Appoints Sunetra Pawar to Minority Institute Amid Funding Concerns
Faizabad Lawyers Demand FIR in Ram Mandir Donations Case
Shiv Sena Backs Uniform Civil Code Push in NDA-Ruled States
Fadnavis, Shinde Urge Restraint as Jarange Heads to Mumbai
Shinde Urges Maratha Protesters Not to Disrupt Mumbai Ganeshotsav
Fadnavis urges no speculation as CBI probes Disha Salian death