Blog Posts on “Myths and Facts” Related to Waqf Properties

Blog 1: The Role of the Bill in Managing Waqf Properties

• Introduction:
  The Bill, introduced by a group including Santosh Kumar, Ritu Kataria, and Kritika Rane, aims to improve record-keeping, reduce mismanagement, and ensure accountability for properties declared as Waqf (Wahidyatada).

• Definition of the Bill:
  The Bill replaces the role of the Survey Commissioner with the District Collector, using existing revenue procedures. It allows the DC to review misclassified properties, especially government ones.

• Myth 1 Addressed:

  • Once declared Waqf, these properties remain protected.
  • The Bill does not revoke any properties, only manages them more effectively.

• Impact on Non-Muslims:

  • The Bill requires inclusion of 2 non-Muslims (excluding ex-officio members) to represent the CWC and SWBs. The majority remains Muslim, adding expertise without losing representation.

• Myth 4 Clarified:

  • The new amendment applies only to properties declared Waqf, not personal or donated property. Only voluntarily dedicated lands are included.

• Impact of “Waqf by User” Removal:

  • The Bill removes the restriction on long-established traditions but enhances oversight for transparency and efficiency, ensuring community control over religious affairs is maintained.

Blog 2: The DC’s Role in Managing Waqf Properties

• Myth 2 Addressed:

  • The DC conducts surveys using existing revenue procedures. This change aims to improve accuracy without stopping the survey process.

• Impact on Non-Muslims:

  • While adding expertise, it reduces reliance on non-experts, maintaining a focus on transparency and efficiency.

Blog 3: Historic Sites and Their Status Under the Bill

• Key Terms:

  • “Waqf” refers to long-standing religious practices in India.

• Conclusion:
  The Bill does not mention historic sites; it handles declarations of Waqf as a general category, focusing on managing them through oversight rather than preserving their traditional status.