Waqf Board Reforms: Challenges, Controversies, and the Road Ahead
The Waqf Board faces challenges like mismanagement, lack of transparency, and political interference. Ongoing reforms aim to digitize records, improve accountability, and ensure fair use of Waqf properties.
Reforming Waqf Boards: Balancing Transparency, Trust, and Community Welfare
India’s Waqf system — one of the largest networks of charitable and religious properties in the world — is witnessing a major transformation with the introduction of The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The new law seeks to bring sweeping reforms in the management, transparency, and utilization of Waqf assets, which are estimated to cover thousands of acres of land nationwide.
This article explores the background of the reform, its key provisions, state-level challenges faced by Waqf Boards, the political and religious reactions, and what lies ahead for this centuries-old institution.
Background: Why the Reform Was Needed
Waqf refers to endowments made for religious, educational, or charitable purposes under Islamic law. India has over 800,000 registered Waqf properties.
Over the years, issues like poor record-keeping, mismanagement, encroachments, and lack of accountability have plagued several Waqf Boards.
The Sachar Committee Report and several government audits highlighted these problems and recommended modernization and stricter oversight.
The government argues that the 2025 amendment aims to ensure transparency, curb corruption, and make better use of Waqf resources for community welfare. (PIB)
Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025
Inclusion of non-Muslims: The law proposes allowing non-Muslim members to be part of Central and State Waqf Boards — a move that has sparked both support and opposition. (Reuters)
Land record verification: All Waqf properties must now be surveyed, geo-tagged, and verified through digital land records to prevent encroachment and duplication.
Centralized database: A unified national Waqf portal will be established for transparency and public access to records.
Dispute resolution: The Act provides for dedicated Waqf tribunals to handle property disputes more efficiently.
Government oversight: The amendment strengthens central supervision, arguing that Waqf is an Islamic concept but “not an essential religious practice,” hence subject to regulation. (Economic Times)
Challenges Faced by State Waqf Boards
Despite the reform, State Waqf Boards face operational and governance hurdles:
Administrative vacancies: In Telangana, for instance, the CEO post remains vacant and several member positions are unfilled, hampering daily functioning. (Times of India)
Land management issues: The Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board recently approved leasing 233 acres of prime land in Guntur worth nearly ₹2,000 crore, assuring that ownership would remain unchanged. (Times of India)
Transparency & modernization: Many boards still lack proper digital records, updated audits, or professional management.
Legal and political pressure: Conflicts between state governments, religious organizations, and local stakeholders often delay reforms.
Reactions and Controversy
Several Muslim organizations and opposition leaders have criticized the amendments as government overreach, claiming it undermines minority autonomy and religious freedom. (Reuters)
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions challenging certain provisions of the amendment. (Wikipedia)
On the other hand, proponents argue that the reforms will finally unlock the economic potential of Waqf assets, ensuring they benefit education, healthcare, and public welfare rather than lying unused or encroached upon.
Way Forward: Strengthening the Boards
To make the reforms successful, State Waqf Boards should:
Digitize all property records and make them publicly viewable through a central dashboard.
Ensure regular audits and independent financial monitoring to prevent misuse.
Fill administrative vacancies quickly and train officials in property and legal management.
Promote community engagement, ensuring that Waqf lands are used for genuine social welfare — schools, hospitals, and housing for the poor.
Cooperate with state authorities while maintaining transparency and independence in religious matters.
Conclusion
The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 represents one of the boldest attempts to modernize and regulate India’s Waqf ecosystem. While the intent is to increase transparency and public benefit, its success will depend on balanced implementation — respecting community sentiment while ensuring accountability.
State Waqf Boards now stand at a crossroads: they can either evolve into transparent, digitally empowered institutions serving public good, or continue to be entangled in administrative and political deadlocks. The direction they choose will define the future of Waqf governance in India.
