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I n the social and diverse fabric of India’s religious and socio-economic landscape, the Waqf stands as one of the most significant, yet underutilised, institutions. This statutory entity, steeped in Islamic spiritual tradition, holds the potential to transform the socio-economic conditions of the Muslim community. However, despite its profound heritage and substantial landholdings, the Waqf has been hampered by inefficiencies, mismanagement, and a lack of transparency.
It is indeed paradoxical that the Waqf, as the third largest landowning entity in India, presides over a community that continues to struggle with issues of education, healthcare, and socio-economic upliftment. The very purpose of Waqf, which was established centuries ago, was to serve the welfare of Muslims through the creation and maintenance of public goods such as schools, hospitals, libraries, and other charitable institutions. The fact that such a vast resource base is not being leveraged effectively for the betterment of the community has been a cause for grave concern for many decades.
State of the Waqf The proposed Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development (UMEED) Bill, also called the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address some of the long-standing issues that are plaguing the Waqf. These reforms are crucial, as they acknowledge the widespread consensus within the Muslim community regarding the misuse of Waqf properties by mutawallis (custodians), some members with zero credibility, and the inefficiencies that have prevented Waqf boards from maximising the value of these assets. The current state of the Waqf is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by Muslims in India.
The lack of accountability and transparency in the management of Waqf properties has allowed for the perpetuation of inefficiencies and corruption. One of the most glaring issues with the current Waqf system is the outdated rental structure for Waqf-owned properties. Many of these properties are rented out at rates fixed decades ago, often as far back as the 1950s.
Not only are these rents absurdly low in today’s market, but even the meagre amounts due are often not collected regularly. This situation is compounded by allegations of illegal sales and squandering of Waqf assets, which have significantly eroded the potential revenue that could have been used for community welfare. A classic example would be Jaipur’s most central and famous shopping street known as M.
I. Road, which runs from Sanganeri Gate to Government Hostel. Many may not know that M.
I. stands for Mirza Ismail. Some of the properties located on MI Road have been donated to the Waqf board for the cause of community and religious work.
The board can allot these properties on rent, but it cannot sell them to anyone. Other such commercial properties of 100-400 square feet on MI Road that are fetching ₹300 a month would fetch close to ₹25,000 a month when the rent policies are updated. There are thousands of such cases of negligence across India in every State.
The Sachar Committee Report, 2006, estimated that the Waqf could generate an annual income of ₹12,000 crore from its properties. However, surveys by the Ministry of Minority Affairs reveal that the actual number of Waqf properties exceeds 8.72 lakh.
Today, factoring in inflation and revised estimates, the potential income could be as high as ₹20,000 crore annually. Yet, the actual revenue generated remains a paltry ₹200 crore. The potential for revenue generation and investment in community welfare is enormous.
If managed efficiently, Waqf properties could fund the establishment of world-class institutions — schools, universities, hospitals, and more — that serve not only the Indian Muslim community, but society at large. This is where we, as Indian Muslims, must broaden our understanding of “welfare”. Welfare does not mean free, run-down institutions that struggle to sustain themselves.
Instead, we should aspire to create institutions that are self-sustaining, inclusive, and of such high standards that they become aspirational for all. The final Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which we will see after the Joint Parliament Committee provides constructive suggestions, must offer a visionary commitment towards the righteous space and scope of Waqf development leading to the overall upgradation of the Muslim community. By overhauling the governance and administration of Waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council, the Bill seeks to create a more accountable and transparent system that can better serve the community.
Generating revenue is crucial But reforms should not stop at governance. The credible administration of the Waqf board must also address the critical issue of revenue generation. Revising the rental structure of Waqf properties to reflect current market rates is essential for ensuring the Waqf’s financial sustainability.
Further, profits generated from these properties should be reinvested into Muslim community welfare projects, in line with the original mandate of the Waqf establishment. The Waqf is too important an institution to fail. It holds the key to unlocking the potential of the Muslim community, not only in terms of socio-economic development but also in fostering a spirit of inclusivity and excellence.
By embracing reform and demanding accountability, we can ensure that it serves its intended purpose of benefiting the community and contributing to the broader society. Published - March 31, 2025 12:15 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit.
