Wakf bill will empower Wakf boards like never before: K Rahman Khan

NEW DELHI: The government expects large tracts of encroached Wakf lands to be back in the control of Wakf boards when a bill in this regard is endorsed by the Lok Sabha and the new law comes into force.

Minority Affairs Minister K Rahman Khan said the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, 2010, which was passed by Rajya Sabha today, would have "historical" impact and empower the boards like never before.

"Opposition cooperated with us fully. I hope the bill is passed by Lok Sabha soon. It will have salutary impact on minority welfare," he told reporters at his residence after the bill was passed by the Upper House.

Khan said huge tracts of wakf lands are either in possession of encroachers or leased or rented out at ridiculously low prices.

"Once the new law comes into force, wakf boards can register FIRs against people or institutions who are in possession of their lands without due authorisations. Getting them evicted would also take much less time," he said.

Khan said his ministry is also working to make wakf properties public premises under a new law which will make any encroachment automatically illegal and a penal offence.