The BJP government in the state seems to be taking up issues concerning minorities, especially Muslims, on a priority basis. Taking a review of his department, state Minority Development Minister Eknath Khadse has asked officials to work out the modalities of auctioning leases of Wakf land parcels to maximise revenue, and draft a proposal to introduce Urdu as an optional subject in Marathi-medium schools.

Khadse’s contention was that since most of the land parcels with the Wakf board have now come under city limits, it was unjust to lease them out for a pittance. “If the leases are auctioned, they can fetch a good amount of money, which can be put to use for the welfare of the Muslim community,” Khadse told officials.