"No need to be taken negatively, govt dedicated to 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas": Atif Rasheed on amendments in Waqf Act

New Delhi [India], August 6 : Reacting to the reports that the Centre is planning to amend the Waqf Act, Former Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Atif Rasheed said on Tuesday that if an amendment is taking place, it does not need to be taken negatively and everyone should trust the government as it is dedicated to 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas'.
"The Waqf Act was formed in 1954. The then government in 1995 changed it completely. In 2013, a lot of amendments were made to the act. So, now if an amendment is taking place, it does not need to be taken negatively. We should trust the government, it is dedicated to 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas'," Rasheed said.
"The draft has not yet come into the public domain, but as per the reports, it seems that there are going to be around 32 amendments in the act. If it is about registration with the Collector or a judicial inquiry, then why should one have a problem with it? In 2013, it was amended that the government should map it every 10 years. This is not an interference in the Shariat and it does not decrease the power of the Waqf," he added.
Further, Atif targeted the opposition parties on the matter and said that in Delhi, neither AAP nor Congress, who both claim to represent the Waqf Board and Muslims, fielded even a single Muslim candidate in the Board.
"If the Waqf Board claims someone's property as its own, causing trouble for the common man, that's wrong. All the disputes in the country are between the Waqf Board and Muslims. It's not the common Hindus or Muslims but some secular leaders who have taken control of the Waqf Boards across the country," he said.
He also alleged that AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi has occupied crores of lands in Old Hyderabad.
"The Owaisi brothers and AIMIM have occupied lands in Old Hyderabad. Just like during the CAA time when the fear of losing citizenship spread, a similar kind of fear is being spread among Muslims. Whether it's Congress, the Samajwadi Party, or any other party that claims to represent Muslims, they have never been serious about Muslim issues. Despite knowing that there is corruption in the Waqf Board, why haven't they raised questions? In Karnataka, major Waqf properties are occupied by Congress leaders," former Vice Chairman of National Commission for Minorities said.
According to top government sources, the Waqf amendment bill is likely to be presented after the passage of the Finance Bill, likely this week. Before drafting the amendments, the government consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organisations to ensure comprehensive reforms.
One of the key proposed amendments is the mandatory registration of Waqf properties with the District Collector's office, allowing for proper evaluation and monitoring. Additionally, the amendments aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women's representation on both the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards.