Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has reconstituted the State Waqf Board while keeping two posts reserved for non Muslim members vacant. The decision followed the enactment of the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act.
The Left Democratic Front government retained M.K. Sakkeer as chairperson of the board. The notification stated that appointments to the two non Muslim posts will take place later. These posts fall under categories linked to professional expertise in areas such as business management, finance, social work, agriculture, development activities, and legal practice.
Officials indicated that the decision to delay nominations reflects caution in implementing provisions of the new Act. Muslim organisations had strongly opposed the legislation. The move has drawn attention ahead of upcoming Assembly elections, with political observers linking it to outreach toward minority communities.
The board includes representatives from Parliament and the State Assembly. CPI(M) leaders A.A. Rahim, MP, and Kunhammed Kutty, MLA, joined as members. Samastha leader K. Ummer Faizi represents the Muttawalli category. P.U. Ali joined as an eminent scholar of Islamic theology.
The reconstituted board includes three women members, exceeding the statutory requirement of two. Sareena Salam from the Kasaragod district panchayat and Sumitha Nisaf, vice chairperson of the Kodungalloor municipality, joined from the local body representatives category. V.M. Rahana, Additional Secretary in the State Law Department, retained her position from the previous board.
C.K. Usman Haji, a businessman from Malappuram, joined under the category for professional experience in business management. Members will serve a five year term.
Chairperson M.K. Sakkeer said the board will convene its first meeting soon.
