Waqf Board

Why in news?

The center has proposed a bill that seeks to make women Waqf board members.

About :

The Waqf Board is a significant institution in India that manages waqf properties, which are assets dedicated for charitable or religious purposes under Islamic law.

Definition

Waqf: A waqf is an endowment made by a Muslim for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. It involves dedicating property or assets to these causes.

Purpose of Waqf Board: To manage and oversee the administration of waqf properties and ensure their proper utilization for the intended purposes.

Legal Framework

Waqf Act, 1995: The primary legislation governing the management and administration of waqf properties in India.

Amendments: The Act has been amended several times to improve its efficacy. The most recent amendment is the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Waqf Rules: Rules under the Act provide details about the functioning and management of waqf properties.

Structure

Central Waqf Council: Central Waqf Council is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs set up in 1964 as per the provision given in the Waqf Act, 1954.

It is an advisory body to the Central Government on matters concerning the working of the Waqf Boards and the due administration of Auqaf.

Auqaf (also spelled awkaf,) is an Arabic word meaning assets.

The Council consists of Chairperson, who is the Union Minister In charge of Waqf, such other members, not exceeding 20 in number, as may be appointed by the Government of India.

Each state has a Waqf Board headed by a chairperson,

ØOne or two nominees from the state government,

ØMuslim legislators and parliamentarians,

ØMuslim members of the state Bar Council, recognised scholars of

ØIslamic theology and mutawalis.

Functions and Responsibilities

Administration: Oversee the administration and management of waqf properties.

Revenue Collection: Ensure proper collection of revenues from waqf properties and use the funds for charitable purposes.

Dispute Resolution: Address disputes related to the management and utilization of waqf properties.

Development: Implement development schemes for the betterment of waqf properties and their intended purposes.

Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure transparency and proper management of funds.

Recent Developments

Digitalization: Efforts are being made to digitalize the records and management systems of waqf properties for greater transparency and efficiency.

Reforms: Ongoing reforms to address issues of mismanagement and improve the functioning of Waqf Boards.