Wakf Board faulted for splurging on Iftar parties

Hyderabad: Questioning the working style of TS Wakf Board, noted scholar and social activist Lubna Sarwath lamented that the mansha-e-wakf (purpose of the wakf) has been completely diverted from welfare of the community to sustenance of the department.

Referring to a report first published in The Hans India with title, ‘Muslim body to approach court against Wakf Board’ on June 21, she pointed that despite AP Gazette notification published in 2004, Mohammed Saleem was once again given the responsibility as Chairman.

As per the Gazette notification 271, his chairmanship was superseded by the then government in 2004. The Gazette cites agenda items were accumulated relating to the Wakf institutions, managing committees, Muthawallies from February 2004 to the end of the year, causing huge financial loss to the Board.

The social activist, who recently knocked on the doors of High Court challenging the government spending Rs 30 crores for Iftar parties, demanded the Wakf Board to come clean over spending of funds.

Challenging the efficiency of the Board, she asked the Chairman and its members to introspect, as purpose of the Wakf Board remains welfare of the Muslim community, but not sustenance of the department.

Lubna Sarwath demanded the government to fulfil its election promises of reclaiming the properties like Lanco Hills. “We hoped that the government would keep its promise of reclaiming prime Wakf properties. But it is unfortunate that the existing Wakf funds are being diverted to Iftar parties. When the question of Lanco Hills is posed, the officials cite lack of funds for legal fight by engaging good lawyers.

If it was reluctant to spend, from where Rs 30 crores have come for conducting Iftar parties?” she questioned.