Nampally: Wakf Board at a loss as arrears run into crores

Nampally: Even though TS Wakf Board began holding meetings after a gap of more than 9 months, it appears that it is yet to come out of slumber, going by the functioning of one of the important institutions with several thousand acres of property. With only 40 regular and some 52 other (consolidate and daily wage) staff, the Wakf Board struggles to continue to run the institution, even as several crores of rupees remain to be collected from tenants.

According to official sources, not only important files remain untouched from the 'legal section' of the Wakf Board, but the institution has ALSO failed to prioritise the revenue generation from its properties. "After the replacement of Legal officer over issue of 'fake NOC', his cabin remains locked and auditing of files inside the cabin is yet to be done.

Even though A new official IS appointed, he does not have access to the rooms such as the sealed Wakf record room. Moreover, because of lack of staff on field, the Wakf Board is unable to collect rent from its properties which could be in several crores of rupees," said sources in Haj House.

Currently each of the Wakf Inspector is handling about four districts on an average, with some exceptions, and there remains a requirement of about 100 to 200 more staff for running its operations smoothly. "If there is proper staff and the rents are rationalised, the Wakf Board would be able to collect between Rs 20 to 25 crores. This would indirectly help the board meet its expenses like payment of salaries to both regular and contract employees, besides Welfare activities" the sources add.

At the first board meeting after a long gap on October 29, the Board chairman, Md Saleem, assured that a proposal for appointment of about 50 personnel, which will include a 'task force' comprising policemen and Board staff, was being forwarded to the government. But there is no progress yet on the decision of appointments.

The apathetic condition reflects in the way the broken chairs are being used by the existing employees. Besides record room, even the legal officer's room remains locked, thus complicating matters further.