The Modi government wants to change the Waqf Act. This will result in the re-assessment of the Waqf Board as per reports, The Union Cabinet on Friday approved about 40 amendments to the Waqf Act.
According to sources, as per the proposed amendment, claims on properties made by the Waqf Board will be mandatorily verified. Similarly, compulsory verification has been proposed for disputed properties of Waqf Boards. A bill to amend the Waqf Act is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.
The Waqf Board currently holds more than about 8.7 lakh properties, which is equivalent to about 9.4 lakh acres. In 2013, the UPA government amended the original law to give more powers to the Waqf Board.
The proposed amendment aims to provide representation to women in the Central Waqf Council and State Boards. Sources said the amendments will be crucial in view of the upcoming elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand.
The government had earlier taken into account claims on any property, the extensive powers of state waqf boards and delays in surveying such properties in most states.
Sources said the flaws in the appeal process were also under scrutiny. For example, a decision of the Board has been appealed to a tribunal.
However, there is no time limit for this type of appeal settlement. The decision of the Tribunal is final. There is no rule that the decision can be appealed to the High Court.
There are currently a total of 30 Waqf Boards across the country.
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