Tamil Nadu has reaffirmed its opposition to implementing the new Waqf Act, as announced by Minority Welfare Minister S.M. Nasar Shahjahan. The state government has cited practical and administrative challenges in uploading Waqf property details to the centralized digital platform. Seeking additional time from the Union government, Tamil Nadu plans to address these issues before complying with the Act.
Shahjahan expressed objections to a provision in the amended law allowing the appointment of a non-Muslim member to the Waqf Board. He emphasized that Tamil Nadu has not enforced this provision and will continue to maintain this stance. The state has a consistent position on the matter, with both the previous and current governments refraining from implementing the new Act.
Amid ongoing debates in various states regarding the revised Waqf legislation, the state’s decision adds to the discourse on digitizing and organizing Waqf property records through the UMEED platform. Shahjahan made these statements following the return of the first group of Hajj pilgrims from Saudi Arabia, with a total of 6,295 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu participating in this year’s pilgrimage.
Progress on the construction of a new Hajj House near Chennai airport was also reviewed by the minister. With an estimated cost of Rs 40 crore, the facility is set to be operational by 2027. The government is committed to expediting construction to ensure timely completion, offering enhanced facilities for future pilgrims from Tamil Nadu.
