Muslim groups agree that corruption is a serious problem in waqf boards – their members have been repeatedly accused of colluding with wrongdoers to sell waqf land.
But critics also say that a significant number of these properties have been taken over by individuals, businesses and government agencies – which also needs immediate attention.
A report submitted in 2006 by the Justice Sachar Committee – formed by the erstwhile Congress-led government to assess the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in India – recommended reform of waqfs as it found that the income from the councils was low compared to the huge number of properties that they rule.
The committee estimated that the efficient use of the land could have generated an annual income of around 120 billion rupiah (1.4 billion; £1.1 billion). Current annual income, according to some data assessments, externalis about Rs.2 billion.
The committee also noted that “the attempts of the state, which is the custodian of the interests of the waqf, are a common phenomenon.” listing, external hundreds of cases of such “arbitrary occupation” of waqf lands by state bodies.
According to government data, externalat least 58,889 waqf properties are currently encroached upon, while more than 13,000 are under litigation. The status of more than 435,000 properties remains unknown.
The amendments, according to the government, address these concerns and advance the recommendations made by the Sachar Committee.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Riju told, external The Times of India said reforms were also necessary as only an elite section of the Muslim community ran these facilities.
