Centre To Bring Amendments In Waqf Act, To Curb Board's Powers On Assets

In a significant move that can cause huge response from political parties and religious groups, the union government is set to introduce a bill in Parliament proposing amendments to the Waqf Act, aimed at curbing the extensive powers of Waqf Boards to declare any property as a Waqf asset. The proposed changes, according to reports, which include around 40 amendments, seek to enforce mandatory verification of properties before Waqf Boards can claim ownership. These measures are designed to address concerns about the arbitrary powers currently held by these boards, which oversee assets worth lakhs of crores across India. The bill also proposes restructuring Waqf Boards and ensuring representation for women in these bodies.

The reports about the move has already invited opposition. “I can say that whatever has been written in the media about this proposed amendment shows that the Modi government wants to take away the autonomy of the Waqf Board and it wants to interfere… This itself is against the freedom of religion,” said AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi.

As per the information available on dedicated online portal called WAMSI (Waqf Assets Management System of India), so far 8,72,321 immovable Waqf properties, 3,56,047 Waqf estates and 16,321 movable properties have been registered on the portal, and the total value of these assets are expected to be more than Rs 1 trillion.

Centre To Bring Amendments In Waqf Bill: 10 Important Points

1. The Centre aims to limit Waqf Boards’ powers to unilaterally declare properties as Waqf assets, enforcing mandatory verification before claims are made.
2. The bill, set to be introduced in Parliament, proposes around 40 amendments to the existing Waqf Act.
3. Amendments include restructuring Waqf Boards, changing their composition, and ensuring representation for women on these bodies.
4. A key proposal involves mandatory verification of disputed properties, addressing concerns over the arbitrary powers of Waqf Boards.
5. The Union Cabinet approved the bill, which seeks to repeal certain provisions of the current Waqf Act.
6. The move, according to reports, follows multiple representations from various Muslim communities, intellectuals, and women, demanding changes to the existing law.
7. A major focus is on preventing misuse of Waqf assets by ensuring district magistrates monitor these properties.
8. The bill proposes amending Sections 9 and 14 of the Waqf Act to alter the composition of Central and state Waqf Boards.
9. The need for the amendments was highlighted by the Waqf Board’s controversial claim over a Hindu-majority village in Tamil Nadu.
10. The Centre’s initiative comes ahead of assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand, signalling its political significance.