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The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Efforts underway to arrange for Muharram elephant as Forest Department raises concerns
Efforts are underway to clear the decks for the inclusion of an elephant, atop which an alam is traditionally mounted, in the centuries-old Muharram procession in Hyderabad. According to sources, the Telangana State Waqf Board (TGSWB), along with officials from other departments, have been exploring possibilities for arranging the elephant, as the procession is likely to take place on July 6 or July 7, depending on the sighting of the moon. Correspondence regarding the arrangement usually takes place between the H.E.H. The Nizam Awqaf Committee, the Nizam's Religious Trust, and the government. However, it is the Telangana State Waqf Board that bears the costs of transporting and handling the elephant, along with other related expenses. These expenses amount to approximately ₹5 lakh, with an advance paid prior to the animal's arrival in the city. 'Of the ₹5 lakh, we have already paid ₹1 lakh as an advance to the elephant's owner. While the owner is based in Delhi, the elephant would have to be brought from Jaipur. The Forest Department has pointed out that the distance to Hyderabad is too great. We are now considering arranging for an elephant from a location closer to Hyderabad, such as Karnataka. Since an elephant is required for Bonalu as well Minister Ponnam Prabhakar is already cognisant of the matter. The issue will be resolved soon,' said TGSWB Chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni. Sources noted that except during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown restrictions were in place, the government, over the years, had consistently arranged for an elephant for both Muharram and Bonalu. They expressed confidence that a solution would be found this year as well. The sources also said that both of the Nizam's panels are on board with the current arrangements. Meanwhile, Mir Abbas Ali Moosvi of the Anjuman-e-Tahafuz-e-Huqooq-e-Mutawalliyan Mujawareen wa Khadimeen-e-Mauroosi Ashoorkhanajaat, an association of managers of ashoorkhanas, urged the government to provide cash grants to these places of worship ahead of Muharram. Mr Moosvi pointed out that while the Badshahi Ashoorkhana, a structure that predates the Charminar, and for which he serves as mutawalli, received ₹30,000 in aid, other ashoorkhanas in the city and across the districts — around 700 in total — are in dire need of financial support. He submitted a representation to Minister Ponnam Prabhakar seeking assistance for this purpose.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Uncertainty looms large over Telangana's Waqf Board's future
1 2 Hyderabad: With uncertainty looming over the existence of the Telangana Waqf Board following the amendment of the Waqf Act 2025, the state govt has sought advice legal advice from the advocate general and law department on whether the existing board should continue. According to official sources, the govt has requested guidance on the matter. Meanwhile, the minority welfare department has reportedly directed Telangana Waqf Board chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni not to convene any board meetings until further orders. The issue came to the fore after chairman Husseni wrote a letter to the chief executive officer of the board last month, requesting that a meeting be convened. As the amended Waqf Act has come into force and there is no stay on its implementation from the Supreme Court , Telangana waqf board CEO Md Asadullah sought the opinion on the matter. Sources noted that the chairman has been forwarding files to the CEO. Officials said that under Section 14 of the amended Waqf Act, the composition of the board has undergone significant changes. While elected members are allowed to complete their terms, all nominated members are required to step down. The state govt is mandated to reconstitute the board in accordance with the new provision of Section 14. "As of now, the board comprises eight members. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Realize novos planos com o banco BV Banco BV Saiba Mais Undo While five are nominated, including the chairman, three are elected, including one from the bar council and two Muthawalis. However, as per the new Act, one Muthawali is allowed, in addition to other elected and nominated members. Moreover, as per the new Act, the elected members should be more than the nominated," a senior official of the minority welfare department said. While the state govt has been adopting a wait-and-watch approach, similar to other states like Karnataka, pending the Supreme Court's verdict on several petitions challenging the new Waqf Act. However, the recent board meetings and decisions taken by the chairman have placed the govt in a fix, prompting it to seek the opinion of the advocate general. However, the chairman, on his part, argued that the last Waqf board meeting was held in October 2024 and several public issues and grievances are still pending. He asserted that it is in the public interest to address these issues. "The board has every power to take up the issues, take decisions and pass resolutions," the chairman informed the govt.
