By Parvez Bari
The Committee on Auqaf in India, formed recently by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH), has broadly agreed on three phases with priorities. The focus will be on seven states or 90 Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) districts in terms of geography.
The Committee held its first meeting on Zoom last Saturday. The majority opinion of the Committee supports concentrating solely on public education and awareness on Auqaf in the initial phase. This will involve organizing state-wise capacity building/training programs, seminars, and conferences, generating high-quality content, and disseminating it through both print and digital mediums. The aim is to build a social capital pool for this cause.
At the meeting, a consensus was reached on several key points:
1.State-wise Development: Initiate work in seven states (Gujarat, Delhi, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, etc.) followed by three states (Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan) for the development of Waqf properties.
2.Model Creation: Develop effective models and best practices for Auqaf property development.
3. Establishment of Departments: Propose the creation of various departments, including Public Education, Legal Cell, Research, and Liaison with Waqf Boards and Legislators.
4.Community Engagement: Emphasize community participation as an initial step.
5. Educational Material: Prepare informative pamphlets, publications, and videos on Auqaf.
6.Awareness Campaign: Design campaigns targeting both the community and schools.
7. Role Clarification and Decentralization:** Define roles and responsibilities and decide the banner or platform name.
8.Communication:Draft and send letters to concerned citizens regarding Auqaf.
9. Capacity Building: Focus on training programs for Ulamas, Mutawalis, Imams, media personnel, Auqaf beneficiaries, activists, and others involved in Auqaf. Suggested topics include Waqf from an Islamic perspective, the Waqf Act, legal aspects and procedures of Waqf, and maintaining Waqf records.
10. Utilization of Funds: Utilize government funds for development programs in 90 districts under the Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP).
11. Revival of NWDCL: Work towards reviving the National Waqf Development Corporation Limited.
12. State-wise Planning:Plan all programs state-wise for effective implementation.
The minority opinion within the Committee suggested focusing on Auqaf property development, but this was not agreed upon by the majority.
It is recommended to engage with experts Shafiq and Prof. Furqan Ahmed.
The Committee will decide on the name of this initiative/platform, roles, responsibilities, and departments in the second phase if necessary.
The committee aims to address key issues related to Waqf management and governance, with a diverse group of individuals contributing their expertise and insights.
At the outset, the meeting commenced with opening remarks from the Committee’s Convenor, Akramul Jabbar Khan (Retd. IRS, former Chief Income Tax Commissioner). Ovais Sultan Khan, Advisor to JUH, facilitated the discussion during the meeting.
Others who attended the meeting were: Afzal Mohammad Safvi Farooqui (Naib Sajjadanashin, Khanqah-i-Safvi, Safipur); Farid Tungekar (Director, Waqf Liaison Forum); Fuzail Ayyubi (Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India); Iqbal M. Shaikh (Former Member, Central Waqf Council, GoI); M. J. Akbar (Retd. IFS, ex-Special Officer, Waqf Board for Andhra Pradesh & Telangana); Saif Ali Naqvi (Educationist); Adv. Muhammad Tahir M. Hakim (Member AIMPLB), and this correspondent.
Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that a Round Table Conference was convened by JUH on 27th April at its Headquarters in New Delhi. This conference brought together esteemed individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions across India, actively involved in Auqaf issues.
Maulana Mahmood A. Madani, the president of JUH, presided over the conference, with Ovais Sultan Khan serving as the moderator. The conference was structured around two key panels: “Discovering Solutions” and “Devising Actions.”
The welcome address was delivered by Maulana Mahmood Madani, setting the tone for the discussions that followed. The panels focused on identifying the core issues and challenges faced by Waqf properties and developing actionable strategies to address them. The emphasis was on collaborative efforts, leveraging expertise from various fields to create a comprehensive approach to Waqf management.
The committee’s efforts are aimed at ensuring that Waqf properties are managed efficiently and transparently, benefiting the community and preserving these assets for future generations.