The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to constitute a new Sunni Waqf Board under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, with a composition expected to include non-Muslim members, Muslim women and representatives from the Pasmanda Muslim community.
According to reports, the proposed board will consist of 11 members, including a chairperson. The planned structure includes two non-Muslim members, two Muslim women and at least one Pasmanda Muslim representative. The term of the existing Sunni Waqf Board ended in March, while the Shia Waqf Board is due to complete its tenure in October.
Government officials have said the new composition aims to improve transparency, accountability and inclusive management of waqf properties. BJP Minority Morcha president Danish Ansari supported the proposal and said representation from different sections of society would strengthen oversight and administration.
Official figures show Uttar Pradesh has 232,547 waqf properties. Around 217,161 fall under the Sunni Waqf Board, while 15,386 belong to the Shia Waqf Board. More than 92,000 waqf properties have already been registered on the government’s Umeed portal.
The proposal has received support from the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz. Its National Vice President, Wasim Rain, said waqf properties have remained largely under the control of the Ashraf community and expressed hope that Pasmanda Muslims would receive greater representation. He also welcomed the proposed inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslim members, saying it would improve participation and transparency.
The proposal has also drawn criticism from Muslim organisations and religious scholars. They argue that waqf properties are religious endowments established by Muslims and their administration should remain with members of the Muslim community who possess knowledge of Islamic religious practices.
The debate has gained momentum after Madhya Pradesh constituted its 2025-26 Waqf Board with two non-Muslim members under the amended law.
