Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 11: Minister for Haj, Auqaf and Horticulture today took serious note of the delay in ongoing developmental activities for beautification of Ziarat Shahdara Sharief. He directed for summoning a meeting of concerned officers to ascertain the loopholes hampering the execution of the beautification works at the shrine.
The direction in this regard was issued by the Minister while reviewing the overall functioning of Auqaf in Jammu division at an officers meeting held here today.
During the meeting, the Minister was apprised by the Administrator concerned that the construction work of kitchen block beside other allied works at Ziarat Shahdara Sharief was taken up by the Public Works Department at an estimated cost of Rs 1.28 crore and after expending Rs. 24 lakh out of the CD fund the concerned executing agency have left the work in mid-way and sought remaining amount of Rs. 1.4 crore to complement the project.
The Minister said that it is matter of concern and needs to be discussed so that the work should be started through executing wing of the Auqaf for its timely completion for the benefit of the pilgrims and judicious use the funds .
Among others, the meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Revenue Vinod Koul, Chief Executive Officer, Auqaf Abdul Sattar, Executive Officer State Haj Committee, Fayaz Ahmad besides Administrators and tehsil Auqaf officers of the Jammu division.
The Chief Executive Officer, Auqaf on the occasion gave detailed resume of the activities being carried out in Jammu division.
Mr Veeri directed the Auqaf authorities to take proper possession of the Auqaf land and other assets which have been notified under Wakaf Property Act to avoid the chances of encroachments. He called upon the concerned functionaries to adopt pro-active approach to protect the Auqaf assets across the State. He laid stress on the proper utilization of Auqaf land and steps for improving the financial health of this important body.
He called for regular assessment of the Auqaf property to ensure proper revenue realization as per the market rates. He also emphasized to ensure complete transparency in the functioning of the Trust. He maintained that Auqaf has a specific mandate which has been tasked to undertake welfare activities for the poor sections of the Muslim community.
The Minister directed all concerned functionaries to identify Auqaf land and properties in their respective areas and notifying the same so that proper entries of such assets are maintained in the revenue record. The directions in this regard have already been passed to all the Deputy Commissioners, he added.
Threadbare discussion was also held on the issues regarding construction of shopping complex and allotment of Auqaf shops at various places, fencing of graveyards, repair and renovation of Ziarats.
The meeting also decided that vacancies of members in the State Wakaf Council and State Haj Committee would be filled up soon.
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