New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, stating that Muslim organizations will adopt all legal means to resist any attempt to usurp Waqf properties. Speaking at the JIH Monthly Press Conference, JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer criticized the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf, alleging bias and a disregard for opposition voices.
“We strongly oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024, which threatens the religious and constitutional rights of Muslims. The JPC ignored objections from millions of citizens and has made the consultative process appear meaningless. The bill seeks to seize control of Waqf properties under the pretense of reform, particularly by removing the ‘Waqf by user’ principle, which endangers longstanding religious sites like mosques and dargahs,” Prof. Salim Engineer stated.
He further asserted that the bill disrupts the definition of Waqf, alters the role of custodians, and undermines the independence of Waqf Boards. “Waqf properties are not government assets but religious endowments. Any direct state control over their management would infringe on constitutionally mandated religious rights,” he added. JIH has called on all secular parties, including NDA allies and the opposition, to oppose the bill, which it claims violates Articles 25, 26, 29, and 14 of the Constitution. If passed, JIH vowed to support the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other Muslim organizations in taking legal and constitutional measures to safeguard Waqf properties.
JIH Expresses Condolences Over Mahakumbh Stampede, Criticizes Administration
Addressing the recent tragedy at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, JIH National Secretary Syed Tanveer Ahmed expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the stampede. Offering condolences to the bereaved families, he stressed the need for meticulous planning and crowd management at such large gatherings.
“The safety of pilgrims must be the highest priority. The administration must ensure seamless arrangements for devotees, prioritizing their well-being over VIP access. The Uttar Pradesh and central governments must take responsibility for the shortcomings in their preparations,” he said.
He also criticized restrictions on media coverage, stating that preventing journalists from reporting administrative failures hindered timely improvements in crisis management. “JIH appreciates the humanitarian efforts of individuals, especially from the Muslim community, who helped stranded pilgrims by providing shelter in mosques and distributing food and blankets. Their actions exemplify communal harmony and solidarity,” he added.
JIH’s Analysis of Union Budget 2025-26: Praises Tax Reforms, Criticizes Social Spending Cuts
Prof. Salim Engineer also provided an analysis of the Union Budget 2025-26, acknowledging its positive aspects, including income tax cuts, raising the rebate threshold to ₹12 lakh, and maintaining fiscal prudence with a 4.4% fiscal deficit. However, he expressed disappointment over reduced social expenditure and the neglect of key welfare demands.
“JIH had urged the government to shift from a supply-side approach focused on business growth to a demand-side strategy aimed at increasing citizens’ purchasing power and welfare spending. Unfortunately, the budget has reduced total expenditure by nearly ₹1 lakh crore, which will impact social programs and worsen conditions for the poor,” he said.
He highlighted that the budget failed to reverse cuts to MGNREGA, introduce an urban employment scheme, or increase healthcare spending to 4% of GDP. The absence of provisions for minority welfare, SC/ST empowerment, and agrarian debt relief was also criticized.
Prof. Salim Engineer further called for an equity-based, interest-free finance model to reduce India’s dependence on debt, suggesting the introduction of interest-free banking windows within conventional banks. “The government must prioritize economic policies that benefit all citizens rather than being driven by partisan politics,” he concluded.
