Chairman of Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Supports New Legislation; Advocates for Empowerment of the Muslim Community
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Synopsis
Dr. Salim Raj, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board, endorses the Waqf (Amendment) Act, viewing it as a vital measure for empowering the Muslim community. The legislation aims to improve Waqf property management and promote education and development.
Key Takeaways
- Waqf (Amendment) Act welcomed by Dr. Salim Raj
- Focus on better management of Waqf properties
- Transparency and accountability in property management
- Addressing illegal occupation of Waqf land
- Potential revenue for community development
Raipur, April 11 (NationPress) The Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board, Dr Salim Raj, has expressed his support for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, deeming it a significant advancement that will greatly benefit the Muslim community. He emphasized that this new law will facilitate improved management of Waqf properties and foster education and development within the community.
In an interview with IANS, Dr Raj remarked, “This is a momentous decision by the BJP-led central government. The amended legislation ensures that lands associated with mosques, dargahs, and graveyards will not be seized by the government. Waqf properties will be redeveloped for the benefit of the community.”
He pointed out that the amendment seeks to introduce transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties, which he claims are currently suffering from misuse and illegal occupation.
“In Chhattisgarh, approximately 85 percent of Waqf land is under illegal possession or is being improperly controlled by Maulanas and Mutawallis (caretakers). This law will terminate such unregulated control and subject these assets to legal oversight,” he told IANS.
Dr Raj contended that Waqf properties valued in crores of rupees are not being utilized effectively, generating no benefits for the community.
“If these assets are managed appropriately, the revenue generated can be invested in the education of Muslim children and the overall advancement of the community,” he stated.
He also announced that a new team will soon be formed to survey Waqf properties throughout the state. “The team will evaluate the current state of properties, ensure proper usage, establish market-aligned rent values, and initiate recovery of encroached lands. The objective is to utilize every piece of Waqf land for the welfare of the people,” he added.
Dr. Raj also took a firm stance against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to the enforcement of the new law in her state.
“Is Mamata Banerjee above the Constitution? If the law has been ratified by Parliament, she is obligated to implement it. Refusing to do so constitutes a breach of constitutional duty. Her stance is indicative of vote-bank politics and nothing more,” he commented.
He further asserted that such resistance only obstructs the socio-economic progress of the Muslim community and politicizes a reform intended for its enhancement.
