‘We were told rights of all will be protected (in waqf changes), no land taken over’: Sufi council chief

Why did you support the government Bill to amend the Waqf Act?

There are two aspects to this. The All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council which represents dargahs in the country has submitted memorandums to the government (in the past) to make amendments to the Waqf Act. There are some sections that need changes for the sake of transparency. Plus the (original) Act has no mention of the traditions at dargahs or of the representatives of these shrines who are called the Sajjadanashin.

All the shrines, except the Ajmer one, are governed by the (respective) state waqf boards. We have seen that there is corruption in several waqf boards, and for that to be addressed, the Act requires structural changes.

The second aspect – it is my personal opinion – is that if rents are being collected on (waqf) properties as per old rates, these have to be revised. There is also suspicion that rent is being collected through back channels. If there is so much land, then the income from it should be in thousands of crores. Plus, income from waqf properties should be utilised for social causes, and I don’t think waqf boards are running any such schemes.

Have you seen the Bill in its current form?

The government brought the Bill and we welcomed it. We have also read the Bill with our legal team. Then, we also had some issues with the Bill, and we raised those issues in front of the government. There are two-three points where our people are also apprehensive. For example there is some apprehension about the rights over properties after a fresh survey has been conducted. We raised the issues in front of the (Minorities Affairs) Minister and the Secretary. We were told that everyone’s rights would be safeguarded and that no one would take over any land.

Our legal team is now working to prepare suggestions for the Joint Committee of Parliament.We want a good Bill to be passed.

So what are your specific demands for the new Bill?

We want a separate board for dargahs. Like the government has introduced separate boards for the Bohras and AgaKhanis, we want a separate dargah board under the Waqf Act. We want the special customs and traditions of dargahs to be included in the provisions of the Act.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board and several Opposition parties have said that the Bill, in its current form, goes against the spirit of the Constitution as it interferes in religious affairs. What do you think of these allegations?

I believe that saying anything on this is not necessary as the Bill has gone to a panel. All political parties will send representatives. All issues can be raised there.

Muslim organisations are also concerned that the Bill in its current form allows a non-Muslim to be Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in waqf boards, and does not require that the elected representatives on the boards be Muslim?

About the CEO part… I will have to check. If a non-Muslim is appointed for administrative purposes, then where is the harm?

The government is saying that the new Bill will give more representation to women in waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council. But the Waqf Act of 1995 already had a provision for women in the boards and Council.

I can talk about Rajasthan. There are women in waqf bodies (in the state). In the Central Waqf Council too, there have been women. If they have made it more effective, then that is good. Also, you can check out shrines. There are women mutawallis (custodians) in shrines.