Any reconstitution of UP Waqf board will be in accordance with new Waqf law provisions: Minister Ansari

Ballia (UP), Jul 9 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh minister Danish Azad Ansari has said that it is mandatory for every state to implement the new Waqf law of the Centre and when the state's Waqf board is reconstituted, it will be strictly in accordance with the provisions and rules laid down under the amended law. The minister of state for minority welfare and Waqf was reacting to the inclusion of two Hindus in the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board. He said this was in line with the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, and would ensure transparency and better management of Waqf properties. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had on Sunday reorganised the state Waqf Board, which became the first state-level Waqf board in the country to appoint Hindu members. "The Centre has brought this amendment to ensure a transparent system and smooth management of Waqf properties. The law will be implemented across the country. It is mandatory for every state to implement it. When the process of constituting the Waqf board begins in Uttar Pradesh, it will also be done strictly in accordance with the Act, rules and by-laws," Ansari said. Ansari said the amended law envisages broader representation in Waqf boards, including Pasmanda Muslims, women, members from different sections of the Muslim community and non-Muslims. "The Modi government brought the Waqf Amendment Act with the objective of ensuring better maintenance and management of Waqf properties. Several positive amendments have been made. Under the new law, the reconstituted Waqf boards will have representation for Pasmanda Muslims, women, different sections of the Muslim community and also non-Muslim members," he told reporters here on Wednesday. "This country belongs to everyone. People of all religions live here with equality and brotherhood. Everyone has the freedom to follow their own faith, and we should move forward with the spirit of unity and development," he said. PTI COR ABN ZMN