SRINAGAR: Continuing her aggressive drive to recover rentals from Waqf Shopkeepers, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi today visited Hazratbal to recover rentals on the spot from shopkeepers, that have not been paying rentals on time to the organisation.
However, a particular gesture from Dr Andrabi during the drive won hearts of the on-lookers. During the drive, the Waqf Chairperson saw an elderly woman, Rehti Begum, operating a small Waqf Shop and selling clay pots in a corner of the market. Dr Andrabi stopped to interact with her and also purchased a few pots to encourage her small business.
However, she was informed that despite putting in a lot of hard work, the elderly woman has not been able to pay rent for the last two years. Immediately, in a benevolent gesture, Dr Andrabi ordered a waiver of all her outstanding rentals.
Also, the monthly rent of the woman was reduced from Rupees 1600 to Rs 500 by the Waqf Chairperson. “The kind gesture of the Chairperson has been appreciated by one & all. While the Waqf Chairperson has shown no mercy for the Shopkeepers deliberately avoiding payment of rentals for a long time, the incident highlights her compassionate side in dealing with the disadvantaged sections of people,” said a Waqf statement..
“At the same time, the courage & resilience of the elderly woman deserves appreciation and acts as an example for all of us to emulate,” it added.
