Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Aziz said that nearly 700 acres of Waqf lands across the State had been recovered during the 15th board meeting at Command Control Room in Nellore Municipal Corporation office on Wednesday.

In SPSR Nellore district, several encroached lands — 56 acres in Kovur, 24 acres in Kandukur, and 34 acres in Ramayapatnam — have been reclaimed in the last couple of years, he said, asserting that the board was fighting in the Supreme Court to recover every inch of Waqf land that had been lost.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mr. Abdul Azeez stated that the A.P. Waqf Board had taken initiatives regarding education that are unprecedented in India. He said that they have decided to provide corporate residential education with the aim of improving the lives underprivileged Muslim students.

“We have also set up skill development centres. The income of the Waqf Board is low, however, the board has thousands of acres and a rent review committee has been appointed. We have passed a resolution amending the lease rules for this purpose,” the Chairman informed.

The Chairman also stated that the Waqf Board was ready to enter into agreements with those currently conducting business on the Waqf lands. He announced plans to auction thousands of acres of Waqf lands across the State, offering 30-year commercial leases and three-year agricultural leases.

With the aim of increasing the board’s revenue through these arrangements, he said, “A solar project is coming up in a 193-acre plot in Anantapur. Though the land previously generated an annual income of only ₹1.70 lakh, the upcoming auction is expected to yield ₹62 lakh per year.”

“Many Muthawallis (caretakers) have illegally sold Waqf properties, the instances of which have come to light, and criminal cases will be registered against them. The political leaders have been urged not to intervene to shield them,” he added.

The Chairman announced that 32 new employees would be recruited for the Waqf Board, with the hiring process set to begin soon. He further said that details regarding disciplinary actions could not be disclosed until the inquiry was concluded, however, he confirmed that action would certainly be taken.