By The recent demand by BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy for an inquiry into the functioning of Waqf Boards has once again ignited a contentious and long-running debate over their efficacy, transparency, and alignment with their founding mission. Originally set up to manage religious endowments for the socio-economic upliftment of Muslims, Waqf Boards across India are now facing fresh scrutiny over their performance, management of vast landholdings, and their actual contribution to public welfare.
Historical Context: The Origin and Purpose of Waqf
The concept of waqf is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, where individuals donate property or wealth for charitable purposes, such as building schools, hospitals, mosques, and other public welfare institutions. In India, after Independence, Waqf Boards were institutionalized through legislation to ensure that these donations were systematically managed for the welfare of underprivileged Muslims.
The Waqf Act of 1954, later replaced by the Waqf Act of 1995, provided a framework for the registration, management, and protection of Waqf properties. Yet, despite a clear legal and moral foundation, successive governments have failed to enforce accountability and effectiveness in these institutions.
Waqf Resources vs. Ground Reality: A Glaring Mismatch
Waqf Boards are custodians of one of the largest collections of public assets in India. It is estimated that there are over 6 lakh Waqf properties across the country, covering over 6 lakh acres of land. These properties include commercial complexes, agricultural lands, residential buildings, and religious structures.
Despite this enormous wealth, the developmental indicators for Muslims in India—such as literacy, access to healthcare, employment, and income levels—remain significantly below the national average. A 2006 Sachar Committee report pointed out that Indian Muslims rank close to Dalits and Scheduled Tribes in terms of socio-economic conditions. This raises a serious question: Why have Waqf resources not translated into tangible benefits for the very communities they were meant to serve?
Systemic Issues: Mismanagement, Encroachment, and Lack of Audits
One of the most persistent criticisms of Waqf Boards is the rampant mismanagement and encroachment of Waqf properties. Often, these properties are leased at throwaway prices or left to rot due to legal disputes or negligence. Many are illegally occupied by private entities or even government departments without adequate compensation.
Furthermore, the absence of centralized digital records and systematic audits has made it difficult to trace income generated from these assets. While some states have attempted digitization, progress has been uneven and largely incomplete.
The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) in several states has flagged irregularities in the functioning of Waqf Boards, including missing records, misappropriated funds, and unaudited accounts running into several crores.
The Political Tug-of-War: Rhetoric vs. Reform
While G. Kishan Reddy’s statements are being viewed through a political lens—especially in the run-up to elections—the issues raised are not entirely unfounded. Opposition parties like the Congress and AIMIM have accused the BJP of targeting minority institutions for electoral gain, but they too are now under pressure to show what has been done during their tenure to improve Waqf governance.
Asaduddin Owaisi, a vocal minority leader, has called for the modernization of Waqf Boards, but critics argue that more concrete steps are needed beyond political speeches. The lack of unified action across party lines has allowed inefficiencies to persist for decades.
The Legal Maze: Land Disputes and Bureaucratic Red Tape
The legal entanglements surrounding Waqf lands have become a massive obstacle. Many properties are locked in lengthy court battles, with cases dragging on for decades. Bureaucratic delays in property registration and title verification have also discouraged any productive use of these lands.
Even when Waqf Boards attempt to develop these properties into revenue-generating assets—like shopping complexes or schools—they are often mired in controversy or blocked by legal ambiguities.
Path to Reform: A Call for Accountability and Modern Governance
If the Waqf system is to fulfill its original mandate, a multi-pronged reform strategy is urgently needed:
- Digital Recordkeeping: The complete digitization of all Waqf properties should be mandated with public access to information on income and expenses.
- Independent Oversight: A national-level independent Waqf regulatory commission should be established to monitor performance, settle disputes, and penalize misconduct.
- Community Participation: Local community leaders and beneficiaries must be included in decision-making processes to ensure ground-level needs are met.
- Regular Audits: Financial and operational audits must be made public annually to build trust and ensure transparency.
- Commercial Utilization: Waqf properties must be scientifically evaluated and, where appropriate, commercially developed to create a steady income stream for education, health, and poverty alleviation.
Public Trust and the Road Ahead
The challenge now is not just about political one-upmanship, but about restoring public trust in institutions that hold deep historical and religious significance. Unless real, structural reforms are implemented, the Waqf Boards risk being perceived as symbols of neglect and inefficiency rather than instruments of social justice.
For millions of underprivileged Muslims in India, a reformed Waqf system could provide hope and opportunity. But without swift and transparent action, it may remain yet another missed opportunity in India’s development story.
