AP Government Dissolves Waqf Board, Plans for Restructuring

The Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has dissolved the State Waqf Board constituted by the previous YSR Congress government. On Saturday, the Minorities Welfare Department issued a Government Order (GO) withdrawing the earlier GO issued in October 2023, which established the 11-member Board.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court, on November 1, 2023, had stayed the election of the Waqf Board chairperson following petitions challenging the formation process. The latest GO cites the prolonged non-functioning of the Board and ongoing legal disputes as key reasons for its dissolution. Minorities Welfare Department Secretary Kati Harshvardhan emphasized that the decision was made to address these issues, protect Waqf properties, and ensure smooth governance.

Minister for Minority Welfare N. Md. Farooq explained that the coalition government acted in response to the High Court’s interim orders. He assured that the government remains committed to protecting Waqf properties and improving minority welfare.

In September, TDP leader Shaik Abdul Aziz, a former Mayor of Nellore and the TDP president for the Nellore parliamentary constituency, was appointed as the Waqf Board chairman. The dissolution of the previous Board clears the way for the formation of a new one under his leadership.

The government’s move reflects its commitment to resolving administrative issues and ensuring the effective functioning of the Waqf Board while safeguarding the interests of minorities.