365Telugu.com Online News, April 4, 2025: The Waqf Board, a legally established institution deeply rooted in Islamic spiritual traditions, has the potential to transform the social and economic conditions of the Muslim community in India.
Despite its rich legacy and vast land holdings, the Waqf Board struggles with inefficiencies, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency. As the third-largest landowning entity in India, it is ironic that the Waqf Board has not been able to address key issues such as education, healthcare, and socio-economic upliftment of the community. Originally established centuries ago, the primary purpose of Waqf was to set up and manage schools, hospitals, libraries, and other religious institutions for the welfare of the Muslim community.
Although it possesses immense resources, the failure to utilize them effectively for community welfare raises serious concerns. Given the widespread acknowledgment within the Muslim community regarding the misuse of Waqf properties, urgent reforms are necessary.
The inefficiencies of the board have prevented these assets from being put to optimal use. Mismanagement by many caretakers has led to a lack of accountability and transparency, resulting in incompetence and corruption. The Waqf Board is a significant religious institution in India, but it has yet to achieve its full potential.
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One of the biggest issues with the current Waqf system is its outdated rental structure for Waqf-owned properties. Many of these properties were leased at rates determined decades ago (1950s), which are now significantly lower than current market values. Moreover, even these nominal charges are often not collected consistently. The illegal sale and misuse of Waqf properties have further worsened the situation, depleting the revenue that could have been used for community welfare.
A prime example is MI Road in Jaipur, one of the city’s most famous commercial streets. Many may not know that “MI” stands for Mirza Ismail Road. Several properties along MI Road were originally donated to the Waqf Board for social and religious purposes. While the board can lease these properties, it is not supposed to sell them.
Numerous commercial properties ranging from 100 to 400 square feet exist on MI Road, with some rented out for as little as ₹300 per month. After revising the rental system, these properties could generate nearly ₹25,000 per month each. Across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, thousands of such properties exist but remain underutilized.
The 2006 Sachar Committee report estimated that the Waqf Board could generate annual revenue of ₹12,000 crores from its properties. A recent survey by the Ministry of Minority Affairs found that the total number of Waqf properties exceeds 8.72 lakh. Considering inflation and revised estimates, the actual potential revenue today could be as high as ₹20,000 crores per year.
However, the actual recorded revenue stands at a mere ₹200 crores annually. As Indian Muslims, we must expand our understanding of “welfare.” True welfare does not mean struggling institutions but self-sufficient, inclusive, and aspirational organizations that uplift the community.
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The rental system for Waqf properties must be updated to reflect current market rates, as this is crucial for ensuring the financial stability of Waqf institutions. Moreover, the profits generated from these properties should be reinvested in Muslim community welfare projects in alignment with the original purpose of Waqf.
By embracing these reforms and demanding accountability, the Waqf Board can fulfill its intended goal of serving the Muslim community. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Waqf realizes its potential as a force for good in our society.
In reality, the Waqf Amendment Bill aims to establish a more accountable and transparent system to better serve the Muslim community. The reforms should not be limited to governance alone but must also address the critical issue of revenue generation. Only through reliable administration and financial sustainability can the Waqf Board truly achieve its mission.