Waqf Act amendment row: What is Waqf, how much land it holds, and what are the proposed amendments?

The Modi government is set to introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf boards to ensure more accountability and transparency in their functioning and to mandate the inclusion of women in these bodies, news wire agency PTI has reported. The move comes in response to demands from within the Muslim community.

According to news wire agency ANI, the government has consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organizations to gather suggestions for reforms before introducing the amendments. These amendments, which are likely to restrict the power of the Waqf Board, are expected to be introduced first in the Rajya Sabha, ANI claimed.

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The proposed amendments have sparked a significant debate, with the Samajwadi Party and AIMIM opposing them. AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has alleged that the NDA government aims to take away the autonomy of the Waqf board. He claimed that the BJP has been against Waqf boards and properties "from the beginning" and has attempted to undermine them as part of its "Hindutva agenda."

What is Waqf?

Waqf is the permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious, or charitable purposes as recognized by Muslim law. It implies the endowment of property, whether moveable or immovable, tangible or intangible, to God by a Muslim, under the premise that the transfer will benefit the needy. There is a central Waqf board and several state boards.

What is the Waqf Act?

The Waqf Act was first passed by Parliament in 1954. It was later repealed, and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995, which gave more powers to Waqf Boards. In 2013, the Act was further amended to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as 'Waqf Property.'

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What Are the Proposed Amendments?

According to reports, the government is considering 32-40 amendments to the Waqf Board Act. As per ANI, the proposed amendments will likely mandate the Waqf Board to register its properties with the District Collector's office for evaluation. The amendments also aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women's representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards. Additionally, the proposed changes include allowing judicial scrutiny of Waqf properties to determine whether they qualify as Waqf assets.

Waqf Properties

The Waqf board is said to be the third-largest landholder in India after the Railways and the Defence department. Currently, there are 872,292 registered Waqf properties spread across 8 lakh acres. These properties generate Rs 200 crore in revenue. Approximately 200 individuals control the state Waqf boards.