Staff Shortage Cripples Telangana Survey Commission of Waqf
Hyderabad: The Telangana Survey Commission of Waqf currently operates with a single subordinate employee following years of administrative neglect and staff retirements. Mohammed Anwar remains the sole individual managing the entire department after the last of the four senior officials retired in 2010. This department plays a vital role in identifying and protecting Wakf properties across the state. However, the lack of personnel has severely hindered its primary functions and property documentation efforts.
The Survey Commission of Waqf is an independent entity responsible for conducting surveys of properties donated for religious or charitable purposes. It functions as a statutory body under the Waqf Act, ensuring that all endowments are registered and free from encroachments. The commission typically requires a commissioner, additional commissioners, and surveyors to verify land records and boundaries effectively.

Urgent Need for Government Intervention
Mohammed Anwar manages all office responsibilities ranging from basic maintenance to complex administrative correspondence. He currently handles budget preparation, bill processing, and the filing of Right to Information (RTI) responses. Despite the heavy workload, the office lacks the necessary digital infrastructure to process the high volume of pending claims. The department cannot fulfill its legal mandate to update the second survey of Waqf properties without a full cadre.
The commission now awaits a formal government nod to restore its sanctioned cadre strength and upgrade office facilities. Consequently, many property disputes remain unresolved because there are no field officers to verify land status. Experts suggest that the state must appoint a regular Survey Commissioner to oversee the protection of thousands of acres of land. Proper staffing will allow the commission to digitize old records and prevent the illegal sale of religious endowments.
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