Patna: The Union government has informed the Rajya Sabha that 574 Waqf properties in Bihar remain under encroachment, highlighting the scale of the challenge in protecting religious endowment assets despite ongoing efforts to recover them.
The figures were shared on Monday by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dr Bhim Singh.
574 Waqf Properties Under Encroachment
According to the minister, 63 properties belonging to the Bihar State Shia Waqf Board and 511 properties under the Bihar State Sunni Waqf Board were under encroachment as of July 21, 2026.
The government said the respective Waqf Boards are taking action under Section 54 of the Waqf Act, 1995, which provides for the removal of encroachments from Waqf properties.
Digitisation Through Ummeed Portal
Rijiju said Waqf properties across Bihar and other states are being registered on the Ummeed portal as part of the government’s drive to digitise Waqf assets and improve record management.
He added that states whose Waqf Boards sought additional time for valid reasons had been granted extensions to upload the required documents in accordance with legal provisions.
Call For Better Protection Of Waqf Assets
Through his question, Dr Bhim Singh urged the government to strengthen the management, transparent digitisation and protection of Waqf properties against illegal occupation.
The minister said the responsibility for initiating action against encroachments rests with the respective Waqf Boards, which are proceeding under the provisions of the Waqf Act to recover the affected properties.
