Waqf Act amendments strike a discriminatory note for Muslim charitable organisations

The changes proposed in the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, have sparked concerns over increased government control and the erosion of community autonomy.

The waqf system in India is a longstanding tradition rooted in Muslim endowment practices that has played a significant role in alleviating poverty and enhancing literacy among marginalised Muslim groups. Established as a charitable trust, the waqf system dedicates property or income-generating assets to public welfare.

India has an estimated 490,000 registered waqf properties. They are traditionally managed by waqf boards with expertise in Muslim principles, directing revenues toward poverty relief, education, and healthcare.

These waqf boards are established by the government and operated and overseen by government appointed officials. There are 32 state waqf boards, divided between Sunni and Shia waqfs. Some states like Uttar Pradesh have separate boards for each sect.

These boards run more than 2,000 educational institutions and hundreds of health clinics, primarily for members of lower-income groups.

There are 119 amendments in the proposed Act. Perhaps most of them could be helpful in supervising operations more efficiently and enhancing the benefits of the waqfs. Some may be acceptable with changes. But unless the problematic amendments are removed from the proposed Waqf Act, there can be no negotiations even on the acceptable amendments.

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