The opposition could be in for a shock with the NDA authorities’s subsequent transfer. It was anticipated that the BJP would play secure on the again foot. Nevertheless, the Modi authorities is now bringing a invoice that could be one other bone of rivalry between the ruling alliance and the opposition INDIA bloc. The Centre is more likely to desk in Parliament a Invoice to amend the 1995 legislation governing Waqf boards. The transfer is geared toward trimming the limitless powers assigned to the waqf boards and guaranteeing extra accountability and transparency of their functioning. The invoice will even suggest necessary inclusion of girls in these our bodies.
‘Hindutva Agenda’: Opposition
Whereas the federal government has claimed that the demand for reform got here from throughout the Muslim group, the opposition has smelled a conspiracy behind the transfer. AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated that it reveals that the Modi authorities needs to grab away the autonomy of the board and intends to intervene in its functioning. “I can say that no matter has been written within the media about this proposed modification reveals that the Modi authorities needs to remove the autonomy of the Waqf Board and it needs to intervene. This itself is in opposition to the liberty of faith.”
The Hyderabad MP additionally alleged that the BJP has been in opposition to these boards and Waqf properties from the very starting they usually have been engaged on a ‘Hindutva agenda’. “Now in case you make amendments to the institution and composition of the Waqf board, then there shall be administrative chaos, lack of autonomy of the Waqf board and if the management of the federal government will increase over the Waqf Board, then the independence of Waqf shall be affected. Within the media report, it’s written that if there may be any disputed property, then these folks will say that the property is disputed, and we’ll get it surveyed. The survey shall be carried out by the BJP, CMs and you realize what shall be its end result. There are numerous such dargahs in our India the place BJP-RSS claims that they aren’t dargahs and mosques, so the manager is making an attempt to grab the ability of the judiciary,” he added.
Congress chief Naseem Khan additionally reacted sharply to the event saying the transfer will not be tolerated. “The foundations of the Waqf Board are very clear. As soon as a Waqf, at all times Waqf. The present Waqf Act protects the properties of the Waqf. The Waqf properties can be utilized for the welfare of the Muslim group. If the central authorities is planning on intervening within the Waqf board by bringing amendments to the Waqf Act to train their proper to Waqf properties, it won’t be tolerated,” Naseem Khan stated.
The All India Muslim Private Legislation Board (AIMPLB) additionally urged allies of the NDA and opposition events to “utterly reject any such transfer” and never enable such amendments to be handed in Parliament.
What Is The New Waqf Act Invoice?
The Invoice to amend the Wakf Act, 1995, will mandate that Waqf boards register their properties with district collectors to make sure correct valuation. India has 30 Waqf boards, and reviews estimate that the annual income from all Waqf properties is round Rs 200 crore, which appears disproportionate to the variety of properties they maintain.
Initially, Waqf boards managed about 52,000 properties throughout India. By 2009, this quantity had grown to 300,000 registered properties protecting 4 lakh acres. At the moment, there are 872,292 Waqf properties spanning over eight lakh acres. Sources emphasize that income generated from these properties can solely be used for the welfare of the Muslim group.
The modification Invoice, that includes 40 adjustments to the present legislation, could be launched within the ongoing Parliament session. The federal government intends to go the Invoice promptly. Key adjustments embrace verifying land earlier than it’s designated as Waqf property. Recent verification of disputed lands claimed by numerous state boards will even be sought, in keeping with the proposed invoice. The adjustments with regard to the composition of the Waqf boards will make sure the inclusion of girls in these our bodies.
BJP, Authorities’s Defence
As per reviews, the suggestions of the Justice Sachar Fee and the joint committee of Parliament headed by Okay Rahman Khan had steered just a few of the explanations for amending the legislation. Prior to now, some Muslim excessive court docket judges had flagged that the choice taken by Waqf boards can’t be challenged in court docket. Now, the modification invoice seeks to set that proper.
Senior BJP chief Dinesh Sharma stated Bohra and different members of the Muslim group have raised the problem of anomalies by Waqf boards. The primary purpose behind that is that there have been complaints in opposition to Waqf boards, made for benefitting the minorities, being concerned in different works, he claimed.
“Demand for enchancment in Waqf board shouldn’t be new, it has been occurring for the previous 30-40 years. Those that are elevating this demand and affected by it are Muslims themselves. There’s a want for betterment within the Waqf board and I hope Samajwadi Occasion, Congress and TMC will help it (the Invoice), each time it’s launched,” stated BJP chief Ajay Alok. (With company inputs)
