From Dusty Records to Digital Dreams: The Dawn of a New Era for Waqf in India with the UMEED Act
Imagine centuries-old lands and properties, dedicated to noble causes – education, healthcare, the welfare of the needy – all held in trust under a unique Islamic legal framework known as Waqf . For generations, these endowments have played a vital, albeit often understated, role in the socio-economic fabric of India. Yet, the management of these vast assets has often been shrouded in complexities, plagued by outdated systems and, at times, allegations of mismanagement. Now, a significant shift is underway. The passage of the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Act, 2025 , marks a pivotal moment in the history of Waqf in India. This new legislation, born from the debates surrounding the earlier Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to breathe new life into these historical trusts, promising a future of greater transparency, efficiency, and impactful social contribution. But what exactly does this "New Umeed" (new hope) entail, and what journe...