Jamia Students Back Waqf Amendment Bill; Call It A Step Toward Empowerment

The student organization of Jamia Millia Islamia, ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’, has extended strong support for the Waqf Amendment Bill, recently passed by Parliament.

During a press conference on campus today, the group praised the bill as a landmark reform that will benefit common Muslims – especially the poor, women, and the underprivileged.

According to its members, the bill aims to prevent the misuse of waqf properties and usher in a new era of transparent administration.

Moreover, the organization accused bill opponents of being long-term illegal occupants of waqf properties.

Expressing concern, they noted that although waqf properties are worth billions of rupees, Indian Muslims still face poor socio-economic conditions.

Citing the Sachar Committee and Ranganath Mishra Commission reports, they highlighted that, even after 75 years of independence, the Muslim community lags behind Dalits in several indicators.

Students Highlight Benefits Of The Bill

Addressing the media, Bazmi Khan of ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’ stated that, if used correctly, waqf assets could have led to the creation of numerous schools, colleges, and hospitals for Muslims.

He stressed that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 will bring much-needed transparency in waqf property management and direct benefits to the community.

Nazneen Fatima outlined the core advantages of the bill:

• Education and Skill Development: Scholarships for girls and entrepreneurship support for women aim to raise their socio-economic status.
• Women Empowerment: Healthcare, maternity welfare, and widow pensions are among the bill’s key welfare measures.
• Upliftment of the Poor: The proper use of waqf properties will fund various social programs for underprivileged Muslims.
• Transparent Management: Strong administrative reforms will help curb corruption and ensure accountability.

Key Provisions Explained

Shehzan Asghar, another member, elaborated on the bill’s major reforms:

• Qualified Professionals in Waqf Bodies: The inclusion of diverse experts in Waqf Councils will enhance decision-making.
• Greater Female Representation: The bill mandates a minimum number of Muslim women in Waqf Boards.
• Transparent Property Surveys: Appointing qualified officers instead of survey commissioners will ensure fair assessments.
• Appeals to High Court: Waqf Tribunal decisions can now be appealed within 90 days.
• Women’s Inheritance Rights: The law ensures protection for female heirs in waqf properties.
• Digital Modernization: A central database will streamline registration, auditing, and monitoring of waqf assets.

Appeal To The Community

Toward the end of the event, Bazmi Khan, Nazneen Fatima, Shehzan Asghar, Mohammad Asif, Zoya, Aman, and other members appealed to Muslims across India to support the bill and ensure its effective implementation.

They emphasized that the legislation could significantly improve education, employment, and healthcare within the community.

Finally, the organization urged the central government to act swiftly in enforcing the bill’s provisions and to establish a strict monitoring mechanism for the optimal use of waqf resources.

The support from ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’ marks a growing awareness among young Muslims about the need for accountability and reform.

While the bill promises a transparent future and empowerment for the marginalized, the key question now is how efficiently it will be implemented – and how actively the community will engage with it.

Also Read: Waqf Freed From Mafia Control, New Era Of Development Begins For Muslims: MRM