New Delhi [India]: Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena on Saturday approved the appointment of IAS officer Azimul Haque as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Delhi Waqf Board. Haque will assume this role in addition to his responsibilities as a member of the Delhi Jal Board.
In a release, the Delhi LG criticized the AAP government for its delayed action in appointing a CEO for the Delhi Waqf Board, which has led to severe consequences, including the non-payment of salaries to Imams and Mutawallis and the Board’s dysfunctionality.
“The post of CEO (Delhi Waqf Board) has been vacant since November 28, 2024. However, the Government only sent the proposal to give additional charge of CEO (Delhi Waqf Board) after a lapse of one month. Due to this callousness on the part of the Government, the day-to-day functioning of the Board, such as releasing salaries of Imams and other functionaries, has been severely impacted,” the release stated.
Concerns Over Salary Delays:
The LG expressed particular concern for the hardships faced by Imams and Mutawallis, many of whom have been deprived of their salaries for the last 17 months. “Keeping in view the hardship faced by Imams/Mutawallis, who are poor people suffering due to non-payment of salary in the absence of a CEO (Delhi Waqf Board), the Delhi LG approved the proposal,” the release noted.
Call for Legal Compliance:
The LG emphasized the need for adherence to legal provisions in such appointments. “As per the Delhi Waqf Act, 1995, the appointment of the CEO is to be made in terms of Section 23, which requires a panel of two names to be suggested by the Board to the State Government for appointment. However, even now, the proposal has been sent by the Government in a casual manner, without following legal provisions,” the release added.
Protests by Imams:
On December 30, Imams affiliated with the Delhi Waqf Board staged a protest outside AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, demanding the release of their pending salaries. All India Imam Association Chairman Sajid Rashidi expressed frustration over the 17-month delay, stating, “We have continuously approached several officials and leaders of the government, but no action has been taken yet.”
Rashidi warned that if salaries were not released promptly, the Imams would intensify their protests, including a sit-in demonstration outside the Chief Minister’s residence.
This decision by the Delhi LG aims to alleviate the plight of the affected individuals and restore normal functioning of the Delhi Waqf Board.