A political slugfest has been triggered by the Union government’s planned revision to the Waqf Boards Act 1995. The plans, according to the opposition parties, are intended to deny the Muslim community its property, possessions, and the “freedom to manage religious affairs” that is protected by Article 26 of the Indian Constitution. In response, the ruling NDA has stated that the Muslim community itself is the source of the demand for Waqf board regulation.
Here is a quick explanation of what constitutes a Waqf property and the proposed revisions in case you’re wondering what all the fuss is about.
वक्फ एक्ट में संशोधन जरूरी : सूफी सज्जादानशीन काउंसिल अध्यक्ष नसीरुद्दीन चिश्तीhttps://t.co/BF4LHJBXZb
— Rakesh Chaurasia (@Indo_Journalist) August 7, 2024
A Waqf Property: What Is It?
It refers to movable or immovable property that has been given by a deed or other legal document in the name of God for charity purposes. The practice predates the beginning of the documenting practice by several years. Therefore, properties that have been occupied for a considerable amount of time may also be regarded as Waqf properties.
A Waqf property may be kept privately to benefit a person’s heirs or used for public charitable purposes. A Waqf property is always held in the name of God and cannot be transferred. Many mosques, schools, cemeteries, and refuges are usually supported by the earnings of a Waqf, which helps a lot of Muslims.
Description of The Waqf Board
To handle Waqf properties, a legal body with nominated members is called a Waqf board. Each property has a custodian appointed by the board to make sure the proceeds are used for what they were intended for.
Founded in 1964, the Central Waqf Council (CWC) provides state-level Waqf Boards in India with supervision and guidance. The Waqf boards, state governments, and federal government are also advised on property management by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
By section 9(4) of the Waqf Act 1954, it may also order them to provide the Council with information regarding the board’s performance, including financial performance, surveys, revenue records, encroachment of Waqf properties, annual and audit reports, etc.
What changes are included in the (Amendment) Bill, 2024?
In summary, the measure increases government regulation while limiting the authority of Waqf boards to oversee their estates. The bill suggests requiring all Waqf properties to register with the District Collector’s Office to assess the property.
Furthermore, “any government property identified or declared as Waqf property, before or after the commencement of this Act, shall not be deemed to be a waqf property,” according to the statement. The district collector will have the last say in determining whether a piece of land is government land or waqf property.
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