The central government is reportedly preparing to introduce a bill aimed at reforming the Waqf boards, which oversee mosques and Islamic religious endowments. This proposed Amendment Bill seeks to address concerns about the "unfettered powers" of these boards by implementing significant changes.
One of the major recommendations in the bill is the inclusion of women on the Waqf boards. Specifically, the bill proposes that two women be appointed to each state board as well as the central council, a notable shift from the current structure where women are not represented on these boards.
The BJP-led NDA government is set to amend the Waqf Act, having already approved a total of 40 amendments. These changes are aimed at improving transparency and accountability within the Waqf boards. Currently, under the existing Act, Waqf property decisions cannot be contested in court, a provision that the government argues creates a lack of oversight. According to government sources, even other Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman do not have such stringent protections for Waqf properties.
The government's move comes amid claims that powerful individuals have seized control of the Waqf boards. The sources contend that only those benefitting from the current system are resisting the proposed reforms. The Sachar Committee, which investigates the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in India, has also advocated for greater transparency within the Waqf boards.
However, the proposed bill has sparked significant criticism from Muslim clerics and political leaders. Asaduddin Owaisi, a prominent politician, has accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle the Waqf boards as part of a broader 'Hindutva agenda'. He argues that the bill is a continuation of the party's longstanding opposition to Waqf properties.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed, an executive member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, has expressed concerns that existing laws are sufficient for Waqf management. He suggests that any amendments should involve consultations with stakeholders to ensure their effectiveness and fairness.
In response to these criticisms, government sources have countered that certain Muslim clerics are creating a misleading narrative about the bill. They assert that the new legislation will include a provision ensuring that only Muslims can establish Waqf properties, addressing concerns about potential misuse.
The debate surrounding the proposed reforms highlights the ongoing tensions over the management of Waqf properties and the broader issues of transparency and representation within these boards.
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