EXPLAINED - Reality of Waqf Boards | Modi's Big Reform or Land-grab? | Akash Banerjee & Adwaith

The Nugget

The Waqf Board, India's third-largest landowner, faces mismanagement and corruption issues, prompting the Modi government to introduce amendments aimed at reform, but critics argue it risks becoming a tool for land grabs.

Make it stick

🏛️ The Waqf Board is the third largest landowner in India, owning approximately 9.4 lakh acres.
⚖️ Waqf property is dedicated to charitable purposes, with management that is supposed to prevent personal gain.
📉 The Sachar Committee reported that Waqf properties could yield 12,000 crore, but actual income is only 163 crore due to corruption.
🔍 Encroachment and mismanagement plague Waqf properties, leading to a significant loss of potential revenue.

Waqf is the act of dedicating property for charitable or religious use under Islamic law.
Managed by a Mutavalli, who cannot sell or change the purpose of the Waqf property.
There are three types of Waqf: Public, Quasi-Public, and Private, each with different beneficiary structures.

The first Waqf law was enacted in 1913, evolving through various iterations, leading to the current Waqf Act of 1995.
India hosts 32 Waqf boards for effective property management, yet the boards are marred by inefficiency and corruption.
The 2006 Sachar Committee report highlights severe mismanagement, illustrating a massive gap between potential and actual revenues.

Corruption among Waqf managers, with properties often treated as personal assets rather than for community benefit.
Encroachment on Waqf lands by private entities and government bodies complicates the use of these properties.
Waqf boards lack adequate control mechanisms, leading to claims of operating as a “state within a state,” evading government oversight.

The Waqf Amendment Bill aims to reform management practices and improve efficiency, but critics fear possible government overreach.
The proposed name change to the United Waqf Management Empowerment Efficiency and Development Act (Umeed) signals a shift but raises concerns about the potential for misuse.
New regulations may require digital registration of Waqf properties, raising concerns about access and bureaucracy.

"The Waqf Board is India's third largest landowner, yet its management is riddled with inefficiency.”
"The Sachar Committee report revealed a stark contrast of potential income versus actual income from Waqf properties.”
"Corruption among Waqf managers leads to properties being operated as personal assets rather than public resources.”
"The proposed amendments may lead to more oversight, but critics argue it could enable government land grabs.”
"Many leaders, including Owaisi, fear this digitization effectively tips the scales towards a land grab."

This summary contains AI-generated information and may have important inaccuracies or omissions.