In a significant political development, the Union Government is set to introduce a Bill aimed at amending the Waqf Act of 1995. This legislative move has sparked a fresh debate on the management and utilization of Waqf properties in India.
BJP MP Gulam Ali Khatana has been vocal about the necessity of this amendment. He asserted that, “The opposition while being in power for 70 years have misused the Waqf property and hadn’t used it for the welfare of the minorities. Individual people have looted and encroached on it. PM Narendra Modi wants transparency in it…”
The Waqf Act, enacted in 1995, was designed to manage properties donated for charitable and religious purposes by the Muslim community. However, allegations of mismanagement and corruption have plagued the Act’s implementation for decades. Critics argue that the Act has failed to ensure proper oversight and that Waqf properties have been subject to encroachment and misuse.
Khatana’s remarks highlight longstanding frustrations within the ruling party regarding the opposition’s tenure. He contends that past governments have failed to address these issues effectively, resulting in widespread misuse. The BJP’s push for this amendment reflects its commitment to enhancing transparency and ensuring that Waqf properties are used for their intended charitable purposes.
The proposed amendments aim to overhaul the governance structure of Waqf boards, improve auditing processes, and enhance transparency in the administration of these properties. By doing so, the government hopes to prevent further misuse and ensure that the assets are directed towards the welfare of the minority communities they were intended to benefit.
The introduction of this Bill is expected to spark a broader discussion on the effectiveness of the Waqf Act and its role in the current socio-political landscape. As the debate unfolds, all eyes will be on how the proposed changes will address the systemic issues that have long plagued the management of Waqf properties.