Inclusion of Hindus in MP Waqf Board in line with Waqf Amendment Act: UP Minority Welfare Minister

Ballia (UP), Jul 9 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Minority Welfare Danish Azad Ansari has said the inclusion of two Hindus in the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board was in line with the Waqf Amendment Act, and would ensure transparency and better management of Waqf properties. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had on Sunday reorganised the state Waqf Board, adding two Hindu members. The new board, formed under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, is the first state-level Waqf Board in the country to appoint Hindu members. 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. He said the reconstitution of Waqf boards in Madhya Pradesh and other states would be carried out in accordance with the amended law. "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 board begins in Uttar Pradesh, it will also be done strictly in accordance with the Act, rules and by-laws," Ansari said. "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 DV DV