{"id":2142,"date":"2025-04-02T14:56:09","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T09:26:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=2142"},"modified":"2025-10-28T13:16:23","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T07:46:23","slug":"waqf-board","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/","title":{"rendered":"Waqf Board Full Form, History, Functions, Administration, Members"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Meaning\" >Waqf Meaning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_Full_Form\" >Waqf Board Full Form<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_History\" >Waqf History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_Council_Establishment\" >Waqf Board Council Establishment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_Administration\" >Waqf Board Administration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#State_Waqf_Boards\" >State Waqf Boards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_Purpose\" >Waqf Board Purpose<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_Key_Functions\" >Waqf Board Key Functions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Central_Waqf_Council_and_Its_Role\" >Central Waqf Council and Its Role<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_Headquarters_and_Leadership\" >Waqf Board Headquarters and Leadership<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Boards_Income\" >Waqf Boards Income<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_Challenges\" >Waqf Board Challenges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Key_Concerns_Related_to_Waqf_Board\" >Key Concerns Related to Waqf Board<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Amendment_Bill_2024\" >Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/waqf-board\/#Waqf_Board_FAQs\" >Waqf Board FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Central Waqf Council is a statutory body in India, functioning under the Government of India as per the provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995. It is also known as Auqaf or Awkaf when Waqf is referred to as a singular entity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waqf boards in the Indian subcontinent were first established in 1913 during British rule. The Mussalman Waqf Act of 1923 was introduced to provide guidance on managing State Waqf Boards and ensuring the effective administration of waqf properties.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Meaning\"><\/span><b>Waqf Meaning<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waqf refers to properties set aside solely for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, with any alternative use or sale strictly prohibited. When a waqf is created, ownership is permanently removed from the donor (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">waqif<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and is considered to be held by Allah. Since waqf properties are dedicated to a divine entity rather than a physical owner, a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mutawalli<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is appointed\u2014either by the waqif or a designated authority\u2014to oversee and manage the property. Once a property is declared as waqf, the transfer of ownership is final and cannot be revoked.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_Full_Form\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board Full Form<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term <\/span><b>\u201cWaqf\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (also spelled <\/span><b>\u201cWakf\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) comes from Arabic, meaning a permanent dedication of property for religious or charitable purposes. The <\/span><b>Waqf Board full form<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is not an acronym but refers to the governing body that oversees these endowments.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_History\"><\/span><b>Waqf History<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The origins of waqf in India date back to the early Delhi Sultanate when Sultan Muizuddin Sam Ghaor dedicated two villages to the Jama Masjid of Multan and entrusted its management to the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shaikhul Islam<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As Islamic rule expanded, the number of waqf properties grew across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2144\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-144945.png?resize=509%2C287&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"509\" height=\"287\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-144945.png?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-144945.png?resize=1024%2C577&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-144945.png?resize=768%2C433&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-144945.png?w=1049&amp;ssl=1 1049w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the late 19th century, an effort was made to abolish waqfs in India following a legal dispute that reached the Privy Council in London during British rule. The four British judges overseeing the case condemned waqf as \u201ca perpetuity of the worst and most pernicious kind\u201d and ruled it invalid. However, their verdict was not accepted in India. The Mussalman Waqf Validating Act of 1913 was enacted to preserve the institution of waqf, ensuring its continued existence without further legal challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_Council_Establishment\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board Council Establishment<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Central Waqf Council, operating under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, was established in 1964 as an advisory body to the central government. The <\/span><b>Waqf Board was established in India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under the <\/span><b>Wakf Act of 1954<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to oversee the functioning of Waqf Boards and ensure the proper administration of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Auqaf<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (endowments). This act was later repealed, and the current Waqf Act came into effect in 1995. This strengthened its regulatory powers. The <\/span><b>Central Waqf Council<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, an advisory body, was set up in <\/span><b>1964<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to guide state Waqf boards.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"4\"><b>Previous Waqf Councils<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>1.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>1<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st<\/span><b> \u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>31<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st<\/span><b>\u00a0 October,1964<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Humayun Kabir<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>2.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>2<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nd<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>5<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th <\/span><b>Febrarury,1970<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>3.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>3<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rd<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>22<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nd<\/span><b>\u00a0 November, 1975<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Shahnawaz Khan<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri Sikandar Bakht<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri Zulfiqarullah<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri P. Shiv Shankar<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>4.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>4<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>17<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 October, 1981<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Jagannath Kaushal<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri A.K. Sen<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Dr. Rajendra Kumari Bajpai<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri Ramvilas Paswan<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>5.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>5<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>23<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rd<\/span><b> July,1987<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Ramjilal Suman<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri Sitaram Kesri<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>6.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>6<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>30<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b> April, 1993<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Sitaram Kesri<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri Balwant Singh Ramoowalia<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>7.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>7<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>26<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b> June,1997<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Balwant Singh Ramoowalia<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Smt. Maneka Gandhi<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>8.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>8<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>1<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st<\/span><b>\u00a0 May, 2003<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Dr. Satya Narayan Jatiya<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>9.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>9<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>18<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 May, 2005<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Smt. Meira Kumar<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri A.R. Antulay<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>10.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>10<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>12<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 May,\u00a0 2011<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Salman Khursheed<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Shri K. Rehman Khan<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b> <b>Dr. Najma Heptulla<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>11.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>11<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">th<\/span><b>\u00a0 Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>23<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rd <\/span><b>November,\u00a0 2015<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Dr. Najma Heptulla<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>12.<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>12th Council<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>4th February,2019<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_Administration\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board Administration<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h4><b>The Waqf Act, 1954<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After independence, waqf institutions were further reinforced. The Waqf Act of 1954 aimed to centralize the management of waqf properties. Under this law, the <\/span><b>Central Waqf Council of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a statutory body, was established in 1964 by the Government of India. The Council supervises the operations of various state waqf boards, which were formed under Section 9(1) of the Act.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>The Waqf Act, 1995<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 1995, the legislation was revised to make the law more favorable to waqf administration, granting it overriding authority. This Act regulates the management of waqf properties across India and outlines the powers and responsibilities of the <\/span><b>Waqf Council, State Waqf Boards, and Chief Executive Officer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as well as the obligations of a mutawalli (custodian). It also defines the jurisdiction and authority of Waqf Tribunals, which act in place of civil courts. These Tribunals are granted the same authority as civil courts under the <\/span><b>Code of Civil Procedure, 1908<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and their decisions are final and binding, with no provision for appeal in a civil court.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Amendments in 2013<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To improve efficiency and transparency in waqf management, several amendments were introduced in 2013. However, over time, it became evident that these changes did not significantly enhance waqf administration.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>The Waqf Repeal Bill, 2022<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To establish a more balanced legal framework for waqf and other religious institutions with similar objectives, a proposal to repeal the Waqf Act, 1995 (as amended) was introduced in the <\/span><b>Rajya Sabha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on December 8, 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"State_Waqf_Boards\"><\/span><b>State Waqf Boards<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State Waqf Boards are formed by state governments to oversee the management, regulation, and protection of waqf properties. They achieve this by establishing District Waqf Committees, Mandal Waqf Committees, and dedicated committees for individual waqf institutions. These boards function as corporate bodies with perpetual succession and a common seal, allowing them to acquire and manage property. If Shia waqf properties constitute more than fifteen percent of the total waqf assets or generate over fifteen percent of the total income, the act provides for the creation of a separate Shia Waqf Board.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_Purpose\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board Purpose<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>purpose of the Waqf<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is to manage and protect properties donated for Muslim religious, educational, or social causes. These assets include mosques, dargahs, schools, and land. The <\/span><b>Waqf Board<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensures these resources are used as intended by their donors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_Key_Functions\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board Key Functions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provide guidance to the central and state governments, as well as state Waqf Boards, on the management and administration of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Auqaf<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oversee the enforcement of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013, across states and union territories.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer legal counsel on protecting waqf properties, reclaiming encroached land, and addressing related disputes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facilitate the development of urban waqf properties and identify potential land for development through the National Waqf Development Corporation Ltd.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Implement educational and women&#8217;s welfare initiatives to promote skill development and economic empowerment, particularly for women.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Execute the central-sector scheme for the computerization of state Waqf Board records under the Ministry of Minority Affairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gather performance-related data from state governments and Waqf Boards in line with the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coordinate waqf-related issues with various central and state government departments, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Railways, Revenue, and Forest departments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct awareness programs to promote the council&#8217;s objectives and educate waqf institutions on their evolving roles and responsibilities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Central_Waqf_Council_and_Its_Role\"><\/span><b>Central Waqf Council and Its Role<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Central Waqf Council<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> advises state Waqf boards and ensures compliance with laws. It was established in <\/span><b>1964<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The <\/span><b>Central Waqf Council chairman<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> oversees policy implementation and coordination between states.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The\u00a0 Mission of the Waqf board is to take an active role in safeguarding and developing <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Auqaf<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> while collaborating with State Waqf Boards to enhance their efficiency and operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vision of Waqf board is to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ensure the protection, recovery, and digital monitoring of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Auqaf<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in accordance with the Waqf Act of 1995, as amended by the Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_Headquarters_and_Leadership\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board Headquarters and Leadership<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each Indian state has its own <\/span><b>Waqf Board headquarters<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Delhi Waqf Board<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Located in Delhi.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 Based in Lucknow.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Waqf Board chairman<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is appointed by the state government and manages daily operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Boards_Income\"><\/span><b>Waqf Boards Income<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, there are 30 Waqf Boards across India, covering 28 states and union territories. However, some regions, including Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and the union territory of Daman and Diu, do not have a Waqf Board. There are 16, 713 movable properties registered under Waqf Board.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 2011, Justice Shashvat Kumar, who chaired the Shashvat Committee, compiled a report on the status of Muslims in India. The report revealed that waqf properties across the country account for a land bank valued at \u20b91.2 lakh crore. These assets had the potential to generate \u20b912,000 crore in annual revenue but yielded only \u20b9163 crore. The report also highlighted a significant lack of senior Muslim government officers to oversee waqf management, emphasizing the need for a dedicated cadre of qualified and permanent officials.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Haryana Waqf Board (HWB) recorded its highest-ever income of \u20b917.03 crore in 2010\u201311, marking an increase of \u20b93.33 crore from the previous year. During the same period, the board allocated \u20b93.32 crore for various educational and welfare initiatives. For 2011\u201312, the board set aside \u20b96.47 crore in its budget to fulfill the primary objectives of waqfs and support welfare and educational programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2145\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-145054.png?resize=464%2C473&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"464\" height=\"473\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-145054.png?resize=294%2C300&amp;ssl=1 294w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot-2025-04-02-145054.png?w=563&amp;ssl=1 563w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 464px) 100vw, 464px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_Challenges\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board Challenges<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stakeholders have raised several concerns regarding the functioning of the Waqf Board and the Central Waqf Council. Key issues include the lack of diversity in their composition, misuse of authority by <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mutawallis<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, improper financial management of waqf properties, weak coordination with local revenue authorities, challenges in removing encroachments, disputes over property registration and ownership, and the broad powers granted to Waqf Boards, which often lead to legal conflicts. The non-applicability of the Limitation Act has also been a point of contention, contributing to communal disharmony. Additionally, waqf properties generate minimal revenue, limiting their intended use for community welfare.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Concerns_Related_to_Waqf_Board\"><\/span><b>Key Concerns Related to Waqf Board<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Irrevocability of Waqf Properties<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The principle of &#8220;once a waqf, always a waqf&#8221; has led to disputes over ownership claims. Cases such as the claim over two islands in Bet Dwarka have been considered legally complex and puzzling by courts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Litigation and Mismanagement<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Waqf Act of 1995, along with its 2013 amendment, has been criticized for being ineffective in addressing issues like encroachment, ownership disputes, and delays in property registration. Multiple complaints have been raised regarding property titles, tribunal operations, and widespread litigation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Lack of Judicial Oversight<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tribunal decisions related to waqf matters lack judicial review, making the dispute resolution process less transparent. The inability to appeal tribunal verdicts to higher courts raises concerns about accountability in waqf management.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Deficient Survey Processes<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Surveys conducted by the Survey Commissioner to identify waqf properties have been inadequate. In states like Gujarat and Uttarakhand, the process has yet to begin, while in Uttar Pradesh, a survey ordered in 2014 remains incomplete. The lack of expertise among surveyors and poor coordination with revenue departments further hinder property registration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Misuse of Legal Provisions<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Certain provisions of the Waqf Act have been misused by State Waqf Boards, leading to social discord. Section 40 of the act, which allows Waqf Boards to declare properties as waqf assets, has been exploited, resulting in a surge of litigations and inter-community tensions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Constitutional Validity of the Waqf Act<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Waqf Act applies exclusively to religious properties of one faith, while no equivalent law exists for other religions. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) questioning the constitutional validity of the act is currently pending in the Delhi High Court, which has sought a response from the central government on the matter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Amendment_Bill_2024\"><\/span><b>Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Features of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b> Renaming of the Waqf Act, 1995<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Act has been renamed as the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to reflect its broader objective of improving waqf administration, promoting efficiency, and ensuring empowerment and development.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Formation of Waqf<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Bill recognizes three ways to establish waqf:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By declaration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By endowment when the donor\u2019s line of succession ends (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">waqf-alal-aulad<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By recognition through prolonged religious use (<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">waqf by user<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), which the Bill removes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It specifies that only a Muslim who has practiced Islam for at least five years can declare a waqf and must own the property being dedicated. Additionally, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">waqf-alal-aulad<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cannot deny inheritance rights to the donor\u2019s heirs, including women.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Government Property and Waqf<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Bill states that any government-owned property classified as waqf will cease to be so. In cases of ownership disputes, the District Collector will determine ownership and submit a report to the state government. If deemed government property, the revenue records will be updated accordingly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Authority to Declare a Waqf Property<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The existing Act empowers the Waqf Board to determine whether a property is waqf. The Bill removes this provision.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Waqf Property Survey<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Currently, a Survey Commissioner and additional commissioners conduct waqf property surveys. The Bill shifts this responsibility to District Collectors, aligning pending surveys with state revenue laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Central Waqf Council<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Central Waqf Council advises the central and state governments and Waqf Boards. The Union Minister for Waqf serves as its ex-officio chairperson. The existing Act mandates that all Council members be Muslim, with at least two being women. The Bill revises this, requiring two non-Muslim members and allowing MPs, former judges, and eminent persons on the Council regardless of religion.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following members must be Muslim:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Representatives of Muslim organizations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scholars in Islamic law<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chairpersons of Waqf Boards<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of the Muslim members, at least two must be women.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><b> Composition of Waqf Boards<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Currently, the Act allows election of up to two members from Muslim MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and Bar Council members. The Bill replaces this with a system where the state government nominates one person from each category, and they do not need to be Muslim.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bill also requires:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two non-Muslim members<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least one member each from Shia, Sunni, and Backward Class Muslims<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A representative each from the Bohra and Agakhani communities, if they have waqf in the state<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At least two Muslim women members<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><b> Waqf Tribunals<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Act mandates that states set up tribunals to handle waqf disputes. The tribunal\u2019s chairman must be a judge of a rank equivalent to a Class-1 District, Sessions, or Civil Judge. Other members include:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A state officer equivalent to an Additional District Magistrate<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A legal expert in Muslim law and jurisprudence (which the Bill removes)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Instead, the Bill proposes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A current or former District Court judge as chairman<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A current or former joint secretary to the state government as a member<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li><b> Appeals Against Tribunal Orders<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Under the current Act, tribunal decisions are final, and appeals are not allowed in courts, except under specific circumstances. The Bill removes this restriction, allowing appeals to the High Court within 90 days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b> Powers of the Central Government<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The Bill grants the central government authority to create rules regarding:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registration of waqf properties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Publishing waqf accounts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Publishing proceedings of Waqf Boards<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, while the current Act allows state governments to audit waqf accounts at any time, the Bill shifts this power to the central government, which may order audits through the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) or a designated officer.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"11\">\n<li><b> Separate Waqf Boards for Bohra and Agakhani Communities<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The existing Act permits separate waqf boards for Shia and Sunni communities if Shia waqf properties exceed 15% of total waqf properties or revenue in a state. The Bill extends this provision to allow separate boards for Bohra and Agakhani sects as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>How to Verify Waqf Property?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to check if a property is under <\/span><b>Waqf Board<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the state <\/span><b>Waqf Board website<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit an RTI (Right to Information) request.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check land records at the local revenue office.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Waqf Board<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential in preserving and managing Muslim charitable endowments in India. Established under the <\/span><b>Wakf Act of 1954<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it oversees vast <\/span><b>Waqf Board property in India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ensuring funds are used for education, religion, and social welfare. The <\/span><b>Central Waqf Council<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> supports state boards, while the <\/span><b>Waqf Board chairman<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> leads operations. Despite challenges, the system remains vital for India\u2019s Muslim community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/prelims\/prelims-samadhaan-mentorship-2025?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=home_page&amp;utm_campaign=course\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b><i>Join IAShub&#8217;s UPSC coaching batches<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i> to boost your preparation. Enroll now!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Waqf_Board_FAQs\"><\/span><b>Waqf Board FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-2143 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-2143.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-2143.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-2143.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-2143.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-2143.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1743585183\"><div id=\"sp-ea-2143\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-21430\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse21430\" aria-controls=\"collapse21430\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What is Waqf?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse21430\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2143\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-21430\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Waqf refers to properties designated solely for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law, prohibiting their sale or use for any other purpose. Once a property is declared as waqf, its ownership is permanently transferred from the donor to Allah, making it inalienable and irrevocable.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-21431\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse21431\" aria-controls=\"collapse21431\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Are the Waqf properties revocable?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse21431\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2143\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-21431\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Waqf properties cannot be revoked. Once a property is designated as waqf, its ownership is transferred from the waqif (donor) to Allah, making it permanent. Since ownership cannot be reclaimed from Allah, the property remains waqf indefinitely. For instance, the Bengaluru Eidgah ground has been recognized as waqf property since the 1850s. Similarly, the Surat Municipal Corporation building has been claimed as waqf due to its historical use as a sarai for Hajj pilgrims during the Mughal era.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-21432\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse21432\" aria-controls=\"collapse21432\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Do all the Islamic Countries have Waqf Properties?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse21432\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2143\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-21432\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No, waqf properties do not exist in all Islamic countries. Nations like Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq do not have waqfs. However, in India, waqf boards are among the largest urban landowners and are safeguarded by a dedicated legal framework.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-21433\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse21433\" aria-controls=\"collapse21433\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How many properties does the Waqf Board control?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse21433\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2143\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-21433\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Waqf Boards in India oversee approximately 8.7 lakh properties covering 9.4 lakh acres, with an estimated worth of \u20b91.2 lakh crore. India holds the largest waqf assets globally. Additionally, the Waqf Board is the third-largest landowner in the country, following the Armed Forces and Indian Railways.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-21434\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse21434\" aria-controls=\"collapse21434\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What were the steps taken by the Ministry before introduction of amendment bills?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse21434\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-2143\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-21434\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The proposed amendments focus on broadening the composition of the Central Waqf Council (CWC) and State Waqf Boards (SWBs), defining the roles and responsibilities of mutawallis, restructuring tribunals, improving the registration process, and clarifying title declarations. Additionally, the discussions covered the survey and mutation of waqf properties, the filing of accounts by mutawallis, reforms in annual account submissions, and reviewing provisions related to evacuee properties and the Limitation Act. Emphasis was also placed on adopting a scientific approach to waqf property management. Furthermore, the Ministry has studied international waqf management practices in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey, where waqf properties are generally regulated by government-established laws and institutions. <\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn about the Waqf Board, its purpose, history, and role in India. Discover when the Waqf Board was established, its full form, functions, and key details like Waqf Board property in India and Central Waqf Council.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2142","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2142"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2142\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6366,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2142\/revisions\/6366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2142"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2142"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2142"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}