LUCKNOW, India: Shia Central Board of Waqfs, Uttar Pradesh, has initiated several new initiatives in order to strengthen its financial condition.

The initiatives include hike in the rent of the properties based on circle rates, commission for the care-takers and strict action against the illegal occupants.

The decision on these initiatives along with others would be passed in the board's meeting to be held here on November 6.

While addressing a press conference here, new election Board chairman Syed Wasim Rizvi said in order to strengthen the financial condition of the board, all the rents would be hiked to the circle rate of the area.

''Presently about 99 per cent of the waqf property receives rent very less than the circle rate which was causing financial problems for the board,'' he said.

Mr Rizvi, who took over the charge of the Board on Friday said those Mutavallis (caretakers) would be punished if they do not collect rent as per the circle rate from the occupants.

He said a proposal would also be moved in the Board meeting for paying commission between 5 to 10 per cent on the rent collection for the caretakers to prevent them from promoting illegal occupants.

''At present there are over 16,000 illegal occupants in about 8000 registered waqf properties in the state of which 19 properties were under the possession of the state government departments,'' he added.

The Board will also appoint a Chief Executive Officer, who would look after the problems of illegal occupants. The CEO will have full power to take action against the caretakers and the illegal occupants, he further added.