Govt planning slew of changes in Waqf Act

The Central government is considering making amendments to the Waqf Act which could restrict the power of the Waqf Board, said sources.

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According to sources, 32-40 amendments are being considered in the Waqf Board Act.

Waqf Act was first passed by Parliament in 1954. Subsequently, it was repealed and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995 which gave more powers to Waqf Boards. In 2013, this Act was further amended to give far-reaching powers to the Waqf Board to designate property as ‘Waqf Property’.

According to sources the proposed amendments are likely to make it mandatory for the Waqf Board to register its property in the District Collector’s office so that the property can be evaluated.

“Muslims were asking why the government wasn’t making amendments to the Waqf Board law. Only powerful people are involved in Waqf, not ordinary Muslims.

There are questions about revenue, no one is allowed to measure how much revenue is generated, and there are allegations of corruption. Neither the state government nor the central government can intervene in Waqf properties. But after the amendment, the Waqf Board will have to register their property with the District Collector’s office so that the property can be evaluated”, the sources said.