Key Points:
- The Narendra Modi government successfully passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha after extensive debates.
- India has over 8.72 lakh Waqf properties, making it the largest repository of religious and community-owned land globally.
- Hyderabad, known as the ‘Waqf Capital,’ hosts 77,000 properties, including iconic sites like Mecca Masjid and Charminar.
- The bill introduces reforms to enhance transparency, regulate misuse, and strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms for Waqf properties.
- Uttar Pradesh leads in the number of Waqf properties, while Telangana’s Waqf Board is the wealthiest in India.
New Delhi: The Narendra Modi-led government has passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing significant changes to the management and regulation of Waqf properties across India. The bill was approved after heated debates in Parliament, with 288 votes in favor in Lok Sabha and 128 votes in favor in Rajya Sabha. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized that the legislation aims to make Waqf Boards more inclusive, secular, and transparent.
The bill proposes several reforms:
- Strengthening Waqf tribunals for efficient dispute resolution.
- Mandating audits for Waqf institutions earning over ₹1 lakh annually.
- Reducing mandatory contributions to Waqf Boards from 7% to 5%.
- Launching a centralized portal for automated property management.
- Including women and non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards to ensure inclusivity.
Rijiju clarified that the amendments are prospective and not intended to confiscate any property or interfere with religious practices. However, opposition leaders criticized the bill as unconstitutional and harmful to minority rights.
India’s Vast Waqf Property Network
India holds over 8.72 lakh Waqf properties, ranging from religious sites like mosques and dargahs to commercial establishments, agricultural lands, and graveyards. These assets play a crucial role in supporting charitable activities under Islamic law.
States with Maximum Waqf Properties
- Uttar Pradesh: Tops the list with 1.5 lakh properties, accounting for 20% of the total. Notable sites include Bada Imambara in Lucknow and industrial lands near Kanpur.
- Telangana & Andhra Pradesh: Together host 1.2 lakh properties, with Hyderabad alone accounting for 30% of India’s total Waqf assets.
- Karnataka: Over 30,000 properties, though reports indicate widespread illegal occupation in Bengaluru.
- West Bengal: Includes historic mosques and tombs along the Hooghly River.
Cities with Valuable Properties
- Hyderabad: Known as the ‘Waqf Capital,’ its Mecca Masjid complex is valued at over ₹5,000 crore.
- Delhi: Jama Masjid area hosts properties worth ₹3,000 crore.
- Ajmer: Ajmer Sharif Dargah receives annual contributions exceeding ₹100 crore.
- Mumbai: Haji Ali Dargah sits on premium beachfront land.
Challenges Highlighted by the Bill
The bill addresses widespread issues such as misuse of Waqf lands, illegal encroachments, and lack of transparency:
- Reports reveal that thousands of acres of government land have been claimed or occupied by Waqf Boards without proper documentation.
- In Karnataka alone, over 29,000 acres of Waqf land have been diverted for commercial purposes.
- Uttar Pradesh has identified nearly 57,792 government properties registered under Waqf Boards.
To counter these challenges, the bill proposes stricter audits, digitization of records, and investigations by officers above collector rank into disputed claims.
Economic Impact of Waqf Properties
Waqf assets contribute significantly to local economies:
- Telangana’s Waqf Board generates an annual income of ₹500 crore through rents and donations.
- Agricultural lands under Waqf ownership provide substantial revenue in states like Uttar Pradesh.
However, experts argue that better management could unlock even greater potential for socio-economic development.
The passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 marks a pivotal step toward reforming one of India’s largest repositories of community-owned land. By addressing issues like transparency, inclusivity, and misuse, the government aims to ensure that these assets serve their intended purpose supporting charitable activities and uplifting marginalized communities. As debates continue over its implications, stakeholders hope these reforms will bring much-needed accountability to Waqf property management across India.
