Ever heard of the Waqf Board? It’s hard to miss the buzz around it lately, properties worth billions—mosques, schools, lands—locked in a system that’s been around for centuries, and now, in 2025, it’s at the heart of a political firestorm. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is shaking things up, and whether you’re in Delhi or Hyderabad, it’s got people talking. Is it about fixing a broken system or flexing control? Let’s unpack this mess together.
In This Article:
The Big Picture – What’s a Waqf, and Why the Fuss Now?
Waqf, at its core, is a noble idea—property donated under Islamic law for charity, religion, or community good. In India, it’s managed by State Waqf Boards and overseen by the Central Waqf Council. We’re talking 8.7 lakh properties, 9.4 lakh acres, valued at ₹1.2 trillion—big stakes, right? It’s a mess. Encroachments, corruption, and legal battles have plagued it for years. Enter the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, tabled in India’s Lok Sabha last August. The government says it’s about transparency and efficiency. Critics? They’re screaming it’s a power grab.
The timing’s no accident. With elections looming in states like Haryana and Maharashtra and a global push for tighter governance, this bill’s a hot potato. It’s not just India either—think of endowment debates in places like the U.S. or UK, where religious trusts face similar scrutiny. But here, it’s uniquely Indian—layered with history, faith, and politics.
The Breakdown – What’s in the Bill?
Let’s get into it:
- Who Runs the Show: The bill mandates non-Muslims and women on Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council. Right now, it’s mostly Muslim-led, reflecting its religious roots. A district collector will now survey properties, not the Board. Imagine a government official deciding what’s sacred—that’s a shift.
- Property Rules: Only Muslims practicing for five years can declare a Waqf, and “waqf by user” is out. Is government land claimed as Waqf? Gone. Disputes go straight to High Courts, skipping the Waqf Tribunal’s final say.
- Tech and Transparency: A central portal for registration, audits by state-approved folks, and even the Comptroller and Auditor-General stepping in. Sounds modern, but it’s also more eyes on the prize.
- Community Angle: Separate boards for Bohras and Aghakhanis, and representation for Shias, Sunnis, and backward classes. Fairness or fragmentation? You tell me.
In India, this hits hard—4 lakh of those 8.7 lakh properties are “waqf by user,” undocumented but used for ages. Scrap that, and what happens to old mosques or graveyards? Globally, it’s like the U.S. tightening rules on church lands—control vs. tradition.
The Politics – Who’s Pushing, Who’s Pulling?
In India, the BJP-led government, with folks like Kiren Rijiju driving this, says it’s a reform overdue. They point to the Sachar Committee (2006), which flagged low revenue and mismanagement—58,000 properties encroached, 13,000 in court, and 4.35 lakh status unknown. “We’re fixing it for the community,” they claim. Opposition? They’re livid. AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi calls it a “Waqf annihilation bill,” saying it strips Muslim autonomy under Article 26 (religious freedom). Congress, TMC, and DMK—they’re all in, arguing it’s unconstitutional, centralizing power, and poking at federalism. Karnataka’s Assembly even passed a resolution against it this March.
Protests hit Delhi’s Jantar Mantar—Muslim groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) say it’s a BJP vote-bank stunt. if a Hindu temple trust got non-Hindu overseers, wouldn’t that spark outrage? But then, the other side’s got a point—crooked Waqf officials have sold land under the table. Delhi’s Haj Committee chair, Kausar Jahan, backs the bill, saying it’ll stop the rot. accountability vs. identity.
The Tools – How’s This Happening?
Legally, it’s a blitz. The bill amends the Waqf Act, 1995, renaming it the “Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act” (UWMEEDA). It’s been through a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) since August 2024—31 members, chaired by BJP’s Jagdambika Pal, hashing it out. They’ve cleared 14 of 23 proposed changes as of February 2025, despite opposition dissent notes being ignored (then added after a fight). It’s set to hit Lok Sabha soon—maybe next week, per Rijiju’s latest hint. India’s Parliament can move fast when it wants—think GST in 2017. Here, it’s the same playbook: draft, debate, push.
The Long Game – What’s Next?
If this passes, India could see Waqf properties streamlined—less corruption, more revenue (maybe ₹10,000 crore yearly vs. today’s ₹200 crore). Communities might benefit—schools, hospitals funded right. Jobs could pop up managing this overhaul. But risks? Huge. Encroached lands might vanish into government hands, historic sites could lose status, and a community might feel targeted. Globally, it’s a signal—governments everywhere are eyeing religious assets. The IMF might not care, but a trade war over trust mismanagement? Not impossible.
The timing reeks of politics. Globally, it’s a trend—control the cash cows. I just hope it’s about progress, not power. Whether you’re in Mumbai or Michigan, this is about who owns what—and who gets to say so. The dice are rolling, and we’re all watching.
By – Manoj
