The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is preparing to introduce significant amendments to the Waqf Act. These changes aim to curtail the powers of the Waqf Board regarding property designations. According to sources, the cabinet has approved a total of 40 amendments to the act, with the proposed bill likely to be introduced in Parliament next week.
The amendments seek to restrict the Waqf Board's authority to designate any property as "Waqf property." Currently, the Waqf Boards oversee around 870,000 properties covering approximately 940,000 acres. The new amendments would introduce a mandatory verification process for all properties claimed by the Waqf Board. This is intended to ensure that all claims undergo thorough scrutiny before being designated as Waqf property.
These proposed changes also aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards. This move is seen as a step towards making the Waqf institutions more representative and inclusive of different segments of the Muslim community.
In 2013, the UPA government had strengthened the authority of the Waqf Boards through amendments to the original Waqf Act of 1995. This act was established to regulate 'auqaf'—assets donated and designated as waqf by a wakif, the person who dedicates property for purposes recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable.
However, the extensive rights of the state Waqf Boards to claim any property and the delays in surveying such properties in most states had raised concerns.
To address these issues, the government is considering involving district magistrates in monitoring Waqf properties. This measure is aimed at preventing the misuse of properties and ensuring better oversight.
The involvement of district magistrates could provide a more localised and effective mechanism for overseeing Waqf properties and addressing any disputes or issues that may arise.
The proposed amendments reflect the government's intention to bring more accountability and transparency to the management of Waqf properties. By introducing mandatory verification processes and involving district magistrates, the government aims to prevent the arbitrary designation of properties as Waqf and ensure that such designations are based on verified and legitimate claims.
Additionally, the inclusion of women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards is a significant step towards promoting gender inclusivity within Waqf institutions.
This move is expected to bring a more balanced perspective to the decision-making processes of these institutions and ensure that women's voices are heard and considered.
The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act represent a comprehensive effort to reform the management of Waqf properties in India. By introducing stricter verification processes, enhancing inclusivity, and involving district magistrates, the government aims to bring more transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the management of Waqf properties.
These changes are expected to address long-standing issues and ensure that Waqf properties are used for their intended purposes in a fair and transparent manner.
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