Waqf Act Amendment: A New Chapter in Governance and Inclusivity
The Indian government is poised to introduce the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995, a transformative amendment to the existing Waqf Act 1995. This landmark legislation seeks to modernize the governance of Waqf, an Islamic institution responsible for managing properties dedicated to religious or charitable purposes.
Expanding Representation and Empowering the Boards
The proposed amendment envisions a more inclusive Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards by ensuring representation from both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. This move aims to foster greater transparency and accountability in the administration of Waqf properties, estimated to be worth 1.2 lakh crores.
Moreover, the amendment proposes to establish separate Boards of Auqaf for “Boharas and Aghakhanis” and guarantee representation of Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, and other marginalized Muslim communities. This commitment to diversity reflects a progressive approach to ensuring equitable representation within the Waqf institution.
Redefining Waqf Property Declaration
A significant change in the amendment is the omission of Section 40, which currently grants the Board the authority to declare a property as Waqf. The amendment aims to introduce a more rigorous and transparent process for registering Waqf properties through a centralized portal and database. This process will involve adhering to revenue laws and issuing proper notices before officially designating any property as Waqf.
Addressing Long-Standing Concerns and Modernizing the Act
According to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, the amendment addresses long-standing demands from “poor Muslim groups” to enhance the effectiveness of the Waqf Act. Despite previous amendments in 2013, the Act still requires refinement to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, property registration, encroachment removal, and the definition of “waqf” itself.
Key Learnings:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Inclusivity | Representation of both Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Waqf boards. |
| Representation of Muslim Communities | Separate boards for Boharas and Aghakhanis, representation for Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, etc. |
| Waqf Property Declaration | Removal of Section 40, introduction of a centralized registration process. |
| Addressing Concerns | Response to demands from “poor Muslim groups” to enhance the Act’s effectiveness. |
Summary: The Indian government’s proposed amendment to the Waqf Act 1995 aims to revolutionize Waqf governance by introducing greater transparency, inclusivity, and accountability. The amendment seeks to redefine the declaration of Waqf property, empower the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, and create separate boards for specific Muslim communities.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
