Vijayawada: In a landmark announcement aimed at empowering the Muslim community, Sheikh Abdul Azeez, Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board, unveiled plans to provide free residential intermediate education alongside coaching for IAS and IPS examinations to meritorious students. The declaration came during the 5th Waqf Board meeting held on Monday at the Imdad Ghar Complex near Kaleswara Rao Market in Vijayawada.
Commitment to Education and Community Upliftment
Addressing attendees, Abdul Azeez urged the community to unite in this transformative initiative, stating, “Walk with me, and together we will uplift the Muslim community.” This move reflects a renewed focus by the Waqf Board on education and capacity-building as pathways to social and economic advancement.
Unanimous Approval of Board Agenda and New Appointments
All agenda items presented during the meeting were passed unanimously, signaling strong support for the board’s vision. After the session, Abdul Azeez personally handed over appointment letters to several newly appointed Muthawallis and managing committee members selected in the previous board meeting.
Emphasizing the gravity of their roles, he told the appointees, “What I am giving you are not positions, but responsibilities,” highlighting the critical role they play in advancing the board’s mission.
Challenges Facing Waqf Land and Community Welfare
Abdul Azeez also addressed longstanding issues concerning the management of Waqf properties. He lamented that despite generous donations of thousands of acres by philanthropists, about 30,000 acres of Waqf land out of nearly 70,000 acres have been encroached upon and are no longer under the board’s control. Additionally, approximately 15,000 acres have been acquired by the government.
The chairman underscored that previous efforts by the Waqf Board had fallen short in safeguarding these assets and serving the welfare of the Muslim community, signaling a commitment to rectify these shortcomings under the current administration.
