The Indian government has introduced a bill in parliament that seeks to overhaul the management of waqf properties—land and assets designated for Muslim religious, educational, and charitable use.
The proposed changes have sparked concerns among opposition leaders and Muslim groups, who fear it could weaken Muslim property rights.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, suggests adding non-Muslim representatives to the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards. It also grants the government authority to determine ownership of disputed waqf properties.
Critics argue that these changes could allow the government to exert greater control over assets historically managed by the Muslim community.
Waqf properties, which cannot be sold or transferred, cover nearly 900,000 acres across India, making them one of the country’s largest land holdings. The government claims that many of these properties are mismanaged, benefiting only select elite Muslim families.
Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the bill, calling it a “pro-Muslim reform” aimed at curbing corruption and ensuring transparency.
However, opposition leaders and Islamic organizations see the move as an attempt to erode Muslim autonomy over waqf assets. Kamal Farooqui of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board questioned why similar changes were not proposed for Hindu temple boards.
Meanwhile, concerns about discrimination persist, with critics linking the proposal to broader allegations that Modi’s government has marginalized the Muslim community since taking office in 2014.
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