New Delhi, The Indian government is preparing to introduce amendments to the Waqf Act, aiming to reduce the extensive powers of the Waqf Board, which is the third-largest landowner in the country after the Indian Railways and the armed forces. The proposed legislation, discussed by the Cabinet on August 2, is expected to be presented in Parliament next week.
The amendments focus on limiting the Waqf Boards’ current ability to claim any property as waqf without mandatory verification. Section 3 of the Waqf Act, which defines waqf property, may see changes to ensure properties claimed by Waqf Boards undergo fresh verification to resolve disputes. Additionally, the government plans to enhance women’s participation in the Central Waqf Council by amending Sections 9 and 14 and involve district magistrates in monitoring Waqf properties to prevent misuse.
Currently, Waqf Boards manage nearly 870,000 immovable properties, 16,173 movable properties, and 356,031 estates. The 2013 amendments under the UPA government had expanded the powers of Waqf Boards, leading to numerous disputes and complaints. Over 58,000 complaints are pending against the board, with more than 18,000 in tribunals and over 150 in High Courts and the Supreme Court.
The proposed changes come ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand.
