By Campus Chronicle Bureau
New Delhi, April 5: In a significant development on campus, Jamia Millia Islamia’s student organization ‘Shaher-E-Arzoo’ has publicly declared its support for the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024. At a press conference held earlier this week, the student leaders described the bill as a “bold and necessary step” toward ensuring transparency and justice in the administration of waqf properties across India.
The organization argued that the new legislation primarily serves the interests of the most marginalized sections within the Muslim community—particularly the poor, women, and youth. The students accused those opposing the bill of being “beneficiaries of illegal occupation” of waqf properties and hindering much-needed reforms.
“Waqf Properties Misused for Decades”
Representatives of the organization cited findings from the Sachar Committee and the Ranganath Mishra Commission to highlight how despite waqf assets being worth billions, the socio-economic conditions of Indian Muslims have remained stagnant or even deteriorated.
“If waqf properties had been managed properly, today we would have world-class educational institutions, hospitals, and vocational centers catering to Muslims across the country,” said Bazmi Khan, a core member of the organization. “The bill paves the way for transparency and rightful utilization of these assets.”
Key Community Benefits
Nazneen Fatima, another leading member of Shaher-E-Arzoo, outlined the following benefits that the bill offers to the community:
1. Education & Skill Development – Targeted scholarships and entrepreneurship programs, especially for women.
2. Women Empowerment – Access to maternity welfare, widow pensions, and healthcare initiatives.
3. Upliftment of the Poor – Programs aimed at alleviating poverty using waqf revenues.
4. Administrative Transparency – Overhaul in management to eliminate corruption and inefficiencies.
Core Provisions of the Bill
Shehzan Asghar, speaking on behalf of the student group, listed several critical reforms introduced in the bill:
• Inclusion of professionals from various fields in Central and State Waqf Boards.
• Mandatory representation of Muslim women in waqf bodies.
• Replacement of survey commissioners with qualified officers for property audits.
• Provision for High Court appeals against Waqf Tribunal decisions.
• Legal protection for inheritance rights of Muslim women in waqf properties.
• Establishment of a centralized portal for waqf registration, auditing, and monitoring.
A Call for Community Participation
The press conference concluded with a joint appeal by student leaders including Mohammad Asif, Zoya, Aman, and others, urging the Muslim community to embrace the bill’s reforms and actively participate in its implementation.
“The time has come to move beyond rhetoric. This bill can be a game-changer if implemented in true spirit,” said Nazneen. “We call upon the government to enforce the reforms swiftly and create a robust mechanism to monitor waqf property usage.”
Shaher-E-Arzoo’s endorsement of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 marks a notable moment of political engagement among Jamia’s student body. It reflects a broader sentiment among young Muslims seeking structural reforms that could uplift the community and bring long-overdue socio-economic justice.
