The survey results indicate that a significant majority of people support the proposed amendments to the Waqf Board legislation. The amendments being considered include ensuring that Muslim women and non-Muslims are represented in the Waqf Boards, which is a notable shift from the traditional view that only Muslims should be involved in these boards.
A survey conducted among 47,000 people revealed that 90% of respondents support these amendments. Additionally, 96% of those surveyed favor the registration of Waqf properties with the District Collector’s office, demonstrating a strong public desire for more transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties.
Among the 47,000 participants, 34,540 were Hindus, 7,213 were Muslims, and the remaining 5,247 belonged to other communities. This data shows broad-based support across different communities, highlighting that even non-Muslims are in favor of having a say in the administration of Waqf properties.
Key Proposed Amendments:
- Financial Management and Budgeting: One of the primary focuses is to make the financial administration of Waqf Boards more accountable. Registering Waqf properties with the District Collector’s office aims to reduce financial discrepancies and ensure proper accounting.
- Unregistered Properties: Many Waqf properties are currently either unregistered or not managed properly. The proposed amendments seek to address this by making registration mandatory at the District Collector’s office, thereby ensuring better oversight and administration.
- Transparency and Accountability: The amendments also focus on curbing corruption and unauthorized practices related to Waqf properties. Enhanced oversight and strict measures to address complaints of misconduct or irregularities are part of the reform package.
- Inclusion of Public Participation: By proposing the inclusion of non-Muslims and Muslim women in Waqf Boards, the amendments aim to diversify the administration and break the traditional barriers. This inclusion would ensure that all sections of society can participate in the decision-making processes of the Waqf Boards.
- Parliamentary Committee’s Role: The Parliamentary Joint Committee, led by Jagadambika Pal, is currently reviewing these proposals. This committee is tasked with examining the recommendations for improving the management and oversight of Waqf Boards and their properties.
The widespread support for these amendments suggests that the public sees them as necessary steps towards making the Waqf administration more transparent, accountable, and inclusive. The inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is a significant shift towards equality and transparency in the administration.
Moreover, the amendments aim to protect the interests of the public and safeguard Waqf properties through better governance. The strong support observed in this survey across various communities indicates that these changes are likely to be well-received nationwide.
In summary, these legislative amendments have the potential to transform the Waqf Boards into more responsible and effectively managed entities, reflecting the broader social values of inclusivity and accountability. The high level of public support reflects confidence that these reforms will help establish a more equitable and transparent Waqf administration system.
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