Amendments to the Waqf Board Act, aimed at restricting the powers of the Waqf Board, are expected to be introduced first in the Rajya Sabha. Sources informed that the government might bring these amendments within the week, with the budget session concluding on August 12.
The government reportedly consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organizations before proposing the 32-40 amendments to the Waqf Board Act. The Waqf Act, initially passed in 1954, was repealed and replaced in 1995, granting more powers to Waqf Boards. In 2013, further amendments gave the Waqf Board extensive authority to designate property as ‘Waqf Property.’
The proposed amendments will likely require the Waqf Board to register its properties with the District Collector’s office for evaluation. Additionally, the amendments aim to ensure women’s representation on the Central Waqf Council and state boards.
UP minister Danish Azad Ansari noted that complaints had been received about the encroachment and misuse of Waqf property. He emphasized that Waqf properties should be used for the Muslim community’s benefit, such as constructing hospitals, schools, and colleges.
The proposed amendments have faced sharp criticism from the opposition. CPI General Secretary D. Raja expressed concerns that the amendments reflect a BJP-RSS agenda to undermine Waqf properties and that there has been insufficient public debate on the issue. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of attempting to “snatch the rights of Muslim brothers,” while RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the Centre for neglecting public welfare in favor of divisive politics.
With strong opposition and concerns about the amendments, the Parliament is expected to see heated debates when the proposed changes are introduced.