Today (02-04-2025), the government is set to present the Waqf Amendment Bill in Parliament, and once again, a climate of apprehension and suspicion prevails within the Muslim community. The government portrays this as a step towards better management and transparency of Waqf properties, but what is the truth? Is this genuinely a move towards reform, or is it another link in the Modi government’s chain of anti-Muslim policies, aimed at gradually establishing control over their religious assets?
Let’s examine the potential aspects of this bill and try to understand its possible positive and negative impacts, how it might differ from the old law, and why many view it as a covert conspiracy by the government.
The Old Bill and Potential Changes in the New One:
Until now, Waqf Boards managed Waqf properties under the old Waqf Act. The new bill is likely to see the following changes:
- Increased Government Control: There are fears that the new bill will further increase the government’s control over Waqf Boards. This could involve changes in the appointment process of board members or an increase in the number of government-nominated members.
- Digitization and Survey of Properties: The government may emphasize large-scale digitization and surveying of Waqf properties. While the stated aim is to bring transparency, some fear that this could be used to acquire properties or create disputes.
- Provisions to Deal with Encroachment: The bill might introduce stricter provisions to deal with encroachments on Waqf properties. However, it remains to be seen whether these provisions will be implemented impartially or if they will lead to unilateral actions.
- Changes in Dispute Resolution Process: Special tribunals or fast-track courts could be established to resolve disputes related to Waqf properties. While the intention might be to expedite the resolution of cases, there are also concerns that these processes could be influenced by the government.
Potential Positive Aspects of the Bill (Mere Pretense?):
- Increased Transparency: If the bill genuinely brings transparency to the management of Waqf properties and ensures proper accounting of income and expenditure, it would certainly be a welcome step.
- Curbing Encroachment: If the new provisions prove effective in removing illegal occupations from Waqf properties, it could help in safeguarding these assets.
- Better Management: If the government truly appoints capable and impartial individuals to the Waqf Boards, it could contribute to better management and development of the properties.
However, skepticism surrounds these potential positive aspects due to the government’s past conduct and policies, which have failed to instill confidence in the Muslim community.
Potential Negative Aspects of the Bill (Real Concerns):
- Erosion of Autonomy: The biggest concern revolves around the autonomy of Waqf Boards. If government control increases, Waqf Boards may not be able to manage properties independently, and government interference could escalate.
- Risk of Property Acquisition: Many fear that the process of digitization and surveying could be used in the future to acquire Waqf properties.
- Discriminatory Implementation: There are apprehensions that under the guise of removing encroachments, only Muslim community properties might be targeted, while leniency is shown towards other religious properties.
- A Conspiracy to Weaken the Muslim Community: Many Muslims believe that this bill is part of the Modi government’s broader strategy to weaken the Muslim community in every possible way – be it their citizenship, their culture, or now their religious properties.
The Modi Government and the Anti-Muslim Conspiracy (A Deep Suspicion):
In recent years, steps taken by the Modi government, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and other policies, have created deep insecurity and distrust within the Muslim community. Repeated inflammatory statements and an indifferent attitude towards minorities have further strengthened the suspicion that the government has a hidden agenda.
The Waqf Amendment Bill is also being viewed in this context. Many believe that by gaining control over Waqf properties, the government not only wants to weaken the economic power of the Muslim community but also bring their religious and social institutions under its control. This fear is further amplified by the fact that the government has not held adequate consultations with representatives of the Muslim community or Waqf Boards before introducing this bill.
Conclusion:
The Waqf Amendment Bill, set to be presented in Parliament tomorrow, is undoubtedly a significant issue. While the government may label it as reform and transparency, there are deep apprehensions surrounding it within the Muslim community. Considering the potential changes from the old law, the fear that this bill will diminish the autonomy of Waqf Boards and grant the government greater control over their properties is justified.
If the government genuinely desires better management of Waqf properties, it must take the Muslim community into confidence, engage in open dialogue with them, and introduce provisions that are fair and transparent. However, given the current atmosphere and the government’s track record, it is difficult to say whether the purpose of this bill is truly reform or yet another tactic to weaken the Muslim community. The coming days will reveal the final form of this bill and its impact on the Muslim community. But for now, it would not be wrong to say that this bill raises a significant question mark over the government’s intentions.
