Waqf Amendment Bill Will Benefit Poor Muslims: jamia Student Organization

The student organization of Jamia Millia Islamia, ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo,’ extended its support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, recently passed by Parliament, during a press conference held on the Jamia campus today. The organization's office-bearers stated that the bill serves the interests of common Muslims, particularly the poor, women, and the needy. They emphasized that this legislation would help prevent the misuse of waqf properties and promote transparent administration.

The representatives of ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’ asserted that those opposing the bill are individuals who have been illegally occupying waqf properties for years. Expressing their disappointment, the organization pointed out that despite waqf properties being worth billions of rupees, the socio-economic condition of Indian Muslims remains dire. Citing reports from the Sachar Committee and the Ranganath Mishra Commission, the members noted that even after 75 years of independence, the social and economic condition of Muslims is worse than that of Dalits.

Benefits of the Bill for Muslims
Addressing the press conference, ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’ member Bazmi Khan highlighted that if waqf properties had been utilized correctly, there would be numerous high-quality Muslim schools, colleges, universities, and hospitals across the country. He stressed that the newly amended bill would bring transparency to the management of waqf properties and ensure that the community reaps its benefits.

Nazneen Fatima, another member of ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo,’ outlined the key benefits of the bill for the Muslim community:
1.    Education and Skill Development: Scholarships for Muslim girls, skill development programs for women, and support for entrepreneurship will help improve their economic and social status.
2.    Women Empowerment: The bill includes provisions for healthcare, maternity welfare, and widow pensions for Muslim women.
3.    Upliftment of the Poor: Proper utilization of waqf properties will enable the launch of various social and economic programs for the upliftment of the poor Muslim community.
4.    Transparent Management: Administrative reforms will ensure accountability in waqf property management, leading to a reduction in corruption.

Key Provisions of the Bill
Shehzan Asghar, a representative of ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo,’ elaborated on the major provisions of the bill:
1.    Inclusion of Qualified Individuals in Waqf Councils: The Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards will now include qualified individuals from diverse fields, making these bodies more inclusive.
2.    Increased Female Representation: The bill mandates a minimum number of Muslim women members, enhancing female participation.
3.    Transparent Management of Waqf Properties: Instead of survey commissioners, qualified officers will now be appointed to conduct surveys, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
4.    Provision for Appeals Against Waqf Tribunal Orders: Decisions of the Waqf Tribunal can now be challenged in the High Court within 90 days.
5.    Protection of Women’s Inheritance Rights: The bill guarantees the safeguarding of inheritance rights for female successors in waqf properties.
6.    Modernization of Waqf Property Registration: A centralized portal and database will be established for the registration, auditing, and accounting of waqf properties.

Student Organization’s Appeal
Bazmi Khan, Nazneen Fatima, Shehzan Asghar, Mohammad Asif, Zoya, Aman, and other members of ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’ urged the Muslim community to view the bill positively and contribute to its effective implementation. They asserted that this legislation would ensure the proper utilization of waqf properties, leading to a significant improvement in the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims.

At the conclusion of the press conference, the organization called on the central government to swiftly implement the bill’s provisions and establish a strict monitoring mechanism for the optimal use of waqf properties.

‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’s’ support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 reflects the growing awareness among young Muslims regarding the need for proper management of waqf properties for the betterment of the community. This bill promises increased transparency, reduced corruption, and rightful benefits for the underprivileged. Now, the key question remains: how effectively will the government implement the bill, and how will the Muslim community take advantage of this opportunity?