In the social
and hugely diverse fabric of India's religious and socio-economic landscape,
the Waqf stands as one of the most
significant, yet underutilized, institutions. This statutory entity, steeped in
Islamic Spiritual tradition, holds the potential to transform the
socio-economic conditions of the Muslim community in India. However, despite
its profound heritage and substantial landholdings, the Waqf has been hampered
by inefficiencies, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency.
It is indeed
paradoxical that the Waqf, as the third largest landowning entity in India,
presides over a community that continues to struggle with issues of education,
healthcare, and socio-economic upliftment. The very purpose of Waqf,
established centuries ago, was to serve the welfare of the Muslim community
through the creation and maintenance of public goods such as schools,
hospitals, libraries, and other charitable institutions. The fact that such a
vast resource base is not being leveraged effectively for the betterment of the
community has been a cause for grave concern since past many decades.
The proposed
UMEED Waqf Bill amendments aim to
address some of the longstanding issues plaguing the Waqf. These reforms are
crucial, as they acknowledge the widespread consensus within the community
regarding the misuse of Waqf properties by mutawallis (custodians),some members with zero credibility and the
inefficiencies that have prevented Waqf boards from maximizing the value of
these assets.
The current
state of the Waqf is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by the Muslim
community in India. The lack of accountability and transparency in the
management of Waqf properties has allowed for the perpetuation of
inefficiencies and corruption.
One of the most
glaring issues with the current Waqf system is the outdated rental structure
for Waqf-owned properties. Many of these properties are rented out at rates
fixed decades ago, often as far back as the 1950s. Not only are these rents
absurdly low in today's market, but even the meager amounts due are often not
collected regularly. This situation is compounded by allegations of illegal
sales and squandering of Waqf assets, which have significantly eroded the
potential revenue that could have been used for community welfare. A classic
example would be Jaipur City’s most central and famous shopping street known as MI Road which runs from Sanganeri Gate to Government
Hostel.Many wouldn’t know that MI stands for Mirza Ismail Road. Some of the
properties located on MI Road in Jaipur have been donated to the Waqf board, for the
cause of community and religious work. The board can allot these properties on
rent but cannot sell them to anyone. Other such several commercial properties
of 100 square feet to 400 square feet on MI Road that are fetching Rs 300 a
month, will fetch close to Rs 25,000 per month when the rent policies are
updated. There are thousands of such negligence across India in each State from
Kashmir to Kanya kumari.
The Sachar
Committee report of 2006 estimated that the Waqf could generate an annual
income of ?12,000 crore from its properties. However, surveys by the Ministry
of Minority Affairs now reveal that the actual number of Waqf properties
exceeds 8.72 lakh. Today, factoring in inflation and revised estimates, the
potential income could be as high as ?20,000 crore annually. Yet, the actual
revenue generated remains a paltry ?200 crore—a fraction of what could be
achieved with professional and transparent management.
The potential
for revenue generation and investment in community welfare is enormous. If
managed efficiently, Waqf properties could fund the establishment of
world-class institutions—schools, universities, hospitals, and more—that serve
not only the Indian Muslim community but society at large. This is where we, as
Indian Muslims, must broaden our understanding of "welfare." Welfare
does not mean free, run-down institutions that struggle to sustain themselves.
Instead, we should aspire to create institutions that are self-sustaining, inclusive,
and of such high standards that they become aspirational for all.
The final UMEED
Waqf bill amendments after the constructive Joint Parliament Committee
suggestions must offer a visionary commitment towards the righteous space and
scope of Waqf development leading to Muslim community’s overall upgradation. By
overhauling the governance and administration of Waqf boards and the Central
Waqf Council (CWC), the bill seeks to create a more accountable and transparent
system that can better serve the community.
But reforms
should not stop at governance. The credible administration of Waqf board must
also address the critical issue of revenue generation. Revising the rental
structure of Waqf properties to reflect current market rates is essential for
ensuring the financial sustainability of the Waqf. Furthermore, profits
generated from these properties should be reinvested into Muslim community
welfare projects, in line with the original mandate of the Waqf establishment.
Finally, as
Indian Muslims, we must recognize that the Waqf is too important an institution
to fail. It holds the key to unlocking the potential of our community, not only
in terms of socio-economic development but also in fostering a spirit of
inclusivity and excellence. By embracing reform and demanding accountability,
we can ensure that the Waqf serves its intended purpose of benefiting the
Muslim community and contributing to the broader society.
The time for
reform is now, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the Waqf
fulfills its potential as a force for good in Muslim community and our country
at large. Let us refocus and engage in community development, and work towards
a future where the Waqf institutions become the shining rays of hope,
opportunity, and prosperity for all.
(A PIB feature)
