The central authorities is contemplating making amendments to the Waqf Act which may prohibit the ability of the Waqf Board stated sources. In keeping with the sources, 32-40 amendments are being thought of within the Waqf Board Act.
Waqf Act was first handed by Parliament in 1954. Subsequently, it was repealed, and a brand new Waqf Act was handed in 1995 which gave extra powers to Waqf Boards. In 2013, this Act was additional amended to present far-reaching powers to the Waqf Board to designate property as ‘Waqf Property’.
In keeping with sources the proposed amendments are prone to make it necessary for the Waqf Board to register its property within the District Collector’s workplace in order that the property will be evaluated.
“Muslims had been asking why the federal government wasn’t making amendments to the Waqf Board legislation. Solely highly effective persons are concerned in Waqf, not atypical Muslims. There are questions on income, nobody is allowed to measure how a lot income is generated, and there are allegations of corruption. Neither the state authorities nor the central authorities can intervene in Waqf properties. However after the modification, the Waqf Board should register their property with the District Collector’s workplace in order that the property will be evaluated”, the sources stated.
“There must be a committee to research income and guarantee transparency in Waqf. Waqf properties ought to solely be for the advantage of Muslims. In 2013, when the modification was made, Waqf members may declare possession of properties,” the supply added.
The amendments additionally purpose to boost inclusivity by guaranteeing girls’s illustration on the Central Waqf Council and state boards.
“Girls may also be included in Waqf and counselling, which wasn’t the case earlier. Now, appeals will be made within the excessive courtroom towards Waqf Board selections, which was not potential earlier,” stated the supply.
In the meantime, the All-India Muslim Private Legislation Board stated that they may by no means settle for any modifications within the Waqf Act.
“All India Muslim Private Legislation Board considers it essential to make clear that any such change in Waqf Act 2013, which modifications the standing and nature of Waqf properties or makes it simpler for the federal government or any particular person to usurp them, won’t ever be accepted,” an official assertion from the AIPLMB stated.
“Equally, any discount or limitation of the rights of Waqf Boards may also not be tolerated in any respect,” the AIMPLB added.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi alleged that the Authorities needed to remove the autonomy of the Waqf Board.
“Firstly, when Parliament is in session, the central authorities is performing towards parliamentary supremacy and privileges and informing the media and never informing Parliament. I can say that no matter has been written within the media about this proposed modification exhibits that the Modi authorities needs to remove the autonomy of the Waqf Board and it needs to intrude. This itself is towards the liberty of faith,” he stated.
BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi nevertheless backed the federal government’s plan to carry amendments to the act claiming that there was a have to curb corruption within the board.
“There’s a nice want for enchancment on this. In our nation, after Defence and Railways, the Waqf Board holds essentially the most land. An Act was made in 1954 and amended in 1995, granting it limitless powers. There are 8,50,000 properties registered beneath the board’s title. Islamic international locations like Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon shouldn’t have the idea of Waqf,” she stated.
“There’s a lot corruption in it. The widespread Muslims aren’t benefiting from it; reasonably, solely those that have usurped the land are. 77 per cent of Delhi’s land is beneath the Waqf Board. Some persons are working like a mafia on this. There’s an pressing have to curb corruption. There are 32 state Waqf boards and one central physique beneath the federal government, however the best way their choice is finished leaves a variety of scope for corruption,” Shazia added.
The Authorities is prone to carry these amendments to the Waqf Act throughout this funds session which is scheduled to conclude on August 12.