– Raheem Khan
Jaipur: The Union Government’s recent introduction of Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha has sparked widespread opposition nationwide. This controversial bill, now under review by Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), is accused by experts and community leaders of aiming to curtail the Waqf Board’s autonomy and threaten Waqf properties.
In response, Joint Committee Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf, Rajasthan has planned a Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf Conference at Moti Dungri Road on November 10. The conference will voice opposition to the bill, raise awareness on Waqf issues, and highlight concerns about the bill’s provisions. At a press conference here, committee representatives explained the goals of this upcoming gathering, where JPC members and intellectuals will speak.
During the press briefing, speakers highlighted that the bill contains several provisions deemed unconstitutional and an assault on the rights of Muslims. They argued that the existing Waqf Act 1995 already has sufficient measures to manage and protect Waqf properties, and this amendment would weaken the Waqf Board’s powers.
A particularly controversial aspect of the bill is the proposal to include non-Muslim members on the Waqf Board, which critics say interferes with the constitutional rights of Muslims who currently hold exclusive management authority over Waqf properties.
Another contentious proposal is the shift of authority from the Waqf Tribunal to the District Collector in resolving Waqf-related disputes, a change that is seen as an attempt to centralise control over Waqf properties.
In protest of these proposed changes, Joint Committee Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf, Rajasthan will hold the Tahaffuz-e-Auqaf Conference on November 10 at Moti Dungri Road, where JPC members and intellectuals will address the public. The organizers have urged the community to attend in large numbers to stand in defence of Waqf properties.
The organising committee includes prominent leaders such as Mohammad Nazimuddin (Convener), Shabbir Khan (Rajasthan Muslim Forum), Hafiz Manzoor Ali (Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind), Sajid Sahrai (Wahdat-e-Islami Hind), Dr. Shahabuddin (SDPI), Waqar Ahmed (WPI), Advocate Mujahid Naqvi (Milli Council, Rajasthan. Leaders and representatives from a wide range of community organisations and religious groups will also be in attendance.
