Namaskar,
Happy Independence Day in advance to every citizen of India.
I am writing to you today to bring your attention to an important issue concerning the management of Waqf properties in our country. The central government is currently preparing to introduce amendments to the Waqf Act, which governs these properties.
As it stands, Waqf properties encompass over 8 million acres of land across India, with the highest number of properties located in Uttar Pradesh, followed by West Bengal and Punjab. The proposed bill seeks to mandate the registration of these properties with the collector for proper valuation, aiming to bring transparency and accountability to their management.
The Waqf Asset Management System of India (WAMSI) provides detailed data on the extent of Waqf properties across the nation. According to their records, Waqf in India holds a total of 872,321 immovable properties and 16,713 movable properties. Here is a state-wise breakdown of these properties:
Andaman and Nicobar Waqf Board: 151 properties
Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board: 14,685 properties
Assam Board of Waqf: 2,654 properties
Bihar State (Shia) Waqf Board: 1,750 properties
Bihar State (Sunni) Waqf Board: 6,866 properties
Chandigarh Waqf Board: 34 properties
Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board: 4,230 properties
Dadra and Nagar Haveli Waqf Board: 30 properties
Delhi Waqf Board: 1,047 properties
Gujarat State Waqf Board: 39,940 properties
Haryana Waqf Board: 23,267 properties
Himachal Waqf Board: 5,343 properties
Jammu and Kashmir Auqaf Board: 32,533 properties
Jharkhand State (Sunni) Waqf Board: 698 properties
Karnataka State Board of Auqaf: 62,830 properties
Kerala State Waqf Board: 53,279 properties
Lakshadweep State Waqf Board: 896 properties
Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board: 33,472 properties
Maharashtra State Board of Waqf: 36,701 properties
Manipur State Waqf Board: 987 properties
Meghalaya State Board of Waqf: 58 properties
Odisha Board of Waqfs: 10,314 properties
Puducherry State Waqf Board: 693 properties
Punjab Waqf Board: 75,965 properties
Rajasthan Board of Muslim Waqfs: 30,895 properties
Tamil Nadu Waqf Board: 66,092 properties
Telangana State Waqf Board: 45,682 properties
Tripura Board of Waqfs: 2,814 properties
UP Shia Central Board of Waqf: 15,386 properties
UP Sunni Central Board of Waqf: 217,161 properties
Uttarakhand Waqf Board: 5,388 properties
West Bengal Waqf Board: 80,480 properties
Total: 872,321 properties
The history of the Waqf Act dates back to 1954 when it was first passed under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It was later repealed, and a new Waqf Act was introduced in 1955, granting certain rights to Waqf boards. In 1964, the Central Waqf Council was established under the Ministry of Minority Affairs to advise the central government on Waqf board matters.
In 1995, significant changes were made to the Waqf Act by the PV Narasimha Rao government, providing Waqf boards with extensive powers for land acquisition.
The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act have sparked considerable debate. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has expressed strong opposition to these changes. AIMPLB spokesperson SQR Ilyas has stated that the board will employ all legal and democratic measures to oppose the proposed changes. Former Minority Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi emphasized the need for the Waqf system to move beyond the “touch-me-not” mindset and asserted that communal attacks on inclusive reforms are unacceptable.
As citizens, it is essential for us to stay informed and engaged with the developments regarding the Waqf Act. The proposed amendments aim to bring about transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, ensuring their proper valuation and registration. However, it is also crucial to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders to achieve a balanced and inclusive approach.
Let us strive for a nation where reforms are implemented with fairness and equity, fostering harmony and progress for all.
Jai Hind!
Aditya Tikku