Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today felicitated and addressed the newly appointed Chairperson, Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi and members- Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Syed Mohammad Hussain, Sohail Kazmi, and Nawab Din, of J&K Waqf Board.

         Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that the board, now operating as per Central Waqf Act, will bring transparency in the administration of waqf properties and provide an enabling environment for utilization of properties for larger benefit of the community.

         The Lt governor urged the Waqf Board to construct schools, colleges, ITIs, girls hostels, hospitals, multi-purpose community halls, Hunar Haat, and employment-oriented skill development centers, which will truly serve the 1.25 Crore citizens of J&K UT.

      “I have been told that there are more than 32,000 registered waqf properties in J&K today. Many of these properties have the potential of generating considerable returns, which in turn could be used for the socio-economic development of the community”, the Lt Governor added.

       The Lt Governor further said that the Waqf Board should sow the seeds of friendship and goodwill among communities through impactful social welfare initiatives aimed at bringing positive changes in the lives of ordinary citizens.

       “In India, we have always followed and promoted the principle of ‘Sarva Pantha Sambhav’. This invaluable Indian tradition has to be nurtured by all of you through the Waqf Board in the UT with your social welfare activities and developmental actions in the coming times”, he added.

       The Lt Governor also noted that the J&K Waqf Board under chairpersonship of Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi is now empowered for survey of waqf properties, maintenance of waqf deeds, revenue generation, and prevention of encroachment of waqf properties.

        “I express my gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister who, on 5th August 2019, extended the Central Waqf Act along with 890 central laws to J&K after seven decades, giving Dr Darakhshan Andrabi and other eminent personalities a chance to serve the UT and 1.25 crore people through Waqf  Board”, he said.

         The Lt Governor observed that J&K is witnessing growth and development in every sphere of life. Dedicated efforts are being made to bring in investment in the UT, generate ample employment avenues, make recruitments transparently and utilise every penny for the welfare of ordinary citizens, he added.

          Later, the Lt Governor also released Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem’s poetry collection in Kashmiri “Rude Harand” meaning- The Rainbow.

         The Lt Governor noted that Dr. Haleem has been making a unique effort through his writings to carry forward the values of love, peace, harmony, brotherhood, and Sufi traditions of Jammu Kashmir.

          Dr. Darakshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board while speaking on the occasion welcomed the gathering of prominent personalities from various organizations. She said that the Waqf Borad will work to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the people of J&K as per the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister of our country.

         Besides the members of Waqf Board, Mayor Jammu Sh. Chander Mohan Gupta, former legislators including Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Sh Kavinder Gupta, representatives of political parties, literary people, office bearers of prominent associations, eminent personalities of the UT and members of the civil society were present on the occasion.