Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:

Why in News?  The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 was recently brought in parliament to bring changes in the Waqf Act of 1995.

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the management of Waqf properties in India.  It will amend around 40 amendments to the existing Waqf Act of 1995.

About the Waqf Act of 1995:

Establishment of Waqf Boards:

• The Act establishes State Waqf Boards in each state to oversee the administration of waqf properties.
• The Central Waqf Council provides overall coordination and guidance.

Registration of Waqf Properties:

• Waqf properties must be registered with the Waqf Boards to ensure proper documentation and management.
• The Act requires a comprehensive register of waqf properties to be maintained.

Management and Control:

• The Act outlines the powers and responsibilities of Waqf Boards in managing waqf properties, including financial and administrative control.
• It mandates the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for day-to-day operations.

Dispute Resolution:

• It provides mechanisms for resolving disputes related to waqf properties, including a Waqf Tribunal for adjudicating matters.

Audit and Transparency:

• The Act mandates regular audits of Waqf Board accounts and management practices to ensure transparency and accountability.

Regulation of Waqf Institutions:

• It sets guidelines for the regulation of waqf institutions such as mosques, schools, and hospitals, ensuring they are run effectively and according to the intended charitable purposes.

Penalties and Enforcement:

• The Act includes provisions for penalties and legal action against those who misuse waqf properties or fail to comply with the regulations.

What Are the Proposed Amendments in the Waqf Act?

The cabinet has reviewed around 40 changes that will be brought through the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024. These amendments aim to curb the extensive powers previously held by Waqf Boards, ensuring a more regulated approach.

Property Registration and Verification: Waqf Boards will be required to register their properties with district authorities to ensure proper verification and oversight.

Verification of Properties: The bill requires mandatory new verification of disputed lands, enhancing the clarity around property ownership and management.

Reform in Functioning: Revision in sections 9 and 14 to reform the functioning of the Waqf Boards to curb its arbitrary powers.

Inclusion of Women: The proposed amendments advocate for the inclusion of women in Waqf Boards, promoting gender equality in decision-making processes.

What is Waqf?

• Waqf (or wakf) is an Islamic endowment where a person dedicates property or assets for charitable, religious, or social purposes.
• The property or asset is essentially “frozen” and cannot be sold, inherited, or otherwise disposed of. It is meant to serve a purpose as defined by the donor, often to support community needs such as mosques, schools, hospitals, or welfare activities.

What is Waqf Board?

• A Waqf Board is an administrative and regulatory body responsible for overseeing the management and utilization of waqf properties.
• It ensures that waqf assets are administered in accordance with Islamic principles and legal requirements.

Key Functions:

Management: Overseeing the administration of waqf properties, including their maintenance, development, and financial management.

Registration: Keeping a detailed and updated register of waqf properties to ensure proper documentation and tracking.

Regulation: Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations related to waqf administration. This includes overseeing the activities and operations of waqf institutions.

Dispute Resolution: Handling disputes related to waqf properties or their management, often through dedicated tribunals or committees.

Transparency: Implementing measures to ensure transparency in the administration of waqf properties, including regular audits and public disclosures.

Development: Planning and executing projects to enhance the utility and impact of waqf properties in line with their intended charitable purposes.