The establishment of Waqf Boards in India was aimed at managing Muslim religious sites and associated properties, to aid the underprivileged sections of society and bring transparency to charitable activities. However, in recent years, serious allegations against these Waqf Boards have surfaced continuously, questioning not only their functioning but also creating discontent within the larger Muslim community.
A common perception is forming that Waqf Boards have become a den of corruption. Due to land mafia and political patronage, a lack of transparency in these boards can be clearly observed. According to reports and public complaints, forcibly occupying valuable lands and using them for private interests is becoming the primary objective of these boards.Most concerning is that those properties which should have been used for the welfare of the Muslim community are being seized from Muslims themselves. In many cases, Waqf Boards have forcibly occupied Muslim lands, which is completely contrary to their moral and constitutional responsibilities.
Political parties, especially the Congress, have also been accused of appeasement politics. For a long time, waqf boards were used for political gain, which did not benefit the community nor establish transparency. However, recently the government has made some positive efforts towards reforming the waqf boards. The announcement to provide representation to Shia, Bohra, and Muslim women is a welcome step.
This will not only promote democratic representation but also establish diversity and balance within the board. It is now time to free the waqf boards from politics and mafia, reorganizing them as a transparent, accountable, and charitable institution. If managed properly, these institutions could play a significant role in the socio-economic development. The preservation and transparent use of waqf properties is not only the governmentâs responsibility but also a moral responsibility of the entire society.
Email Id - himanijatwa9@gmail.com
