The Hidden Crisis of Waqf Properties in India and Its Impact on the Marginalized
- BerryBeat Team
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
India holds a vast legacy of Waqf properties, lands and buildings donated by Muslim philanthropists over generations to support the poor, orphans, and widows. Yet, this legacy is marred by neglect, mismanagement, and internal failures that have left millions of these assets underutilized or lost to illegal occupation. The Waqf Board India, entrusted with managing these properties, faces deep-rooted challenges that undermine the welfare of the very communities the Waqf was meant to serve. This post explores the scale of the crisis, the role of governance failures, and the implications for Pasmanda Muslims and other marginalized groups.
The Scale of Waqf Land Mismanagement in India
Official records show that approximately 8.72 lakh properties are registered under various Waqf Boards across India. However, the total landholding figures vary widely, with government data ranging from 9.4 lakh to as much as 39 lakh acres. This discrepancy is not due to simple bureaucratic errors but reflects a system lacking transparency and accountability.
The Sachar Committee report Waqf highlighted that these properties, valued at over ₹1.2 lakh crore, generate an annual income of only ₹163 crore. This translates to a return of barely 2.7%, a shockingly low figure given the potential of these assets. Experts estimate that over 70% of Waqf land is either illegally occupied or lying unused. More than half of the registered properties have missing or incomplete records, making it difficult to track ownership or usage.
The backlog of legal disputes is staggering. There are over 40,951 cases pending in Waqf tribunals, with nearly 10,000 cases filed by Muslims themselves, indicating internal conflicts and dissatisfaction with the current management.
Internal Failures and the Role of Elite Domination
The crisis is not primarily due to external threats but internal failures within the Waqf Boards. Pasmanda Muslims Waqf activists have long pointed out that Waqf Boards are dominated by Ashraf elites. These elites often prioritize their own interests, including appointments and leasing prime properties at below-market rates to cronies, rather than serving the marginalized communities.
Examples of mismanagement include:
Leasing prime Waqf land to politically connected individuals at throwaway prices.
Selling burial grounds and other sacred lands for commercial development.
Redirecting endowments through patronage networks inaccessible to the poor.
Such practices have eroded the original purpose of Waqf properties, which was to provide social welfare and support to vulnerable Muslim communities.
The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 and Its Challenges
In response to growing concerns, the government introduced the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 to bring accountability and transparency to Waqf property management. The Act aims to:
Strengthen the regulatory framework for Waqf Boards.
Improve record-keeping and digitization of Waqf properties.
Enhance the role of community representatives in decision-making.
Prevent illegal encroachments and unauthorized leases.
The Supreme Court of India reviewed the Act in September 2025. While it declined to stay the Act entirely, it paused some provisions considered overreaching. The debate around the Act has become highly politicized, with communal tensions threatening to overshadow the urgent need for reform.
Impact on Pasmanda Muslims and Marginalized Communities
Pasmanda Muslims, who belong to backward castes and form the majority of Indian Muslims, suffer disproportionately from Waqf land mismanagement. The domination of Waqf Boards by Ashraf elites means that the benefits of Waqf properties rarely reach these marginalized groups.
The lack of proper management and accountability has resulted in:
Reduced funding for social welfare programs aimed at the poor.
Loss of community trust in Waqf institutions.
Increased vulnerability of marginalized Muslims to poverty and exclusion.
Activists argue that reforming the Waqf Board India is essential to restoring the original mission of Waqf properties and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
Addressing Waqf Encroachment India-Wide
Illegal occupation of Waqf land, or Waqf encroachment India, remains a critical challenge. Encroachments often involve powerful local interests, making eviction and recovery difficult. The lack of updated records and weak enforcement mechanisms exacerbate the problem.
Successful examples of reclaiming Waqf land include:
Digitization projects in some states that map Waqf properties and identify encroachments.
Legal action supported by community groups to recover occupied lands.
Partnerships between Waqf Boards and civil society to improve transparency.
These efforts show that with political will and community involvement, Waqf land mismanagement can be addressed.
Moving Forward: Restoring Accountability and Trust
The crisis of Waqf properties in India is a complex issue rooted in historical neglect, elite capture, and weak governance. The Waqf Amendment Act 2025 offers a framework for reform but requires careful implementation free from political interference.
Key steps to improve the situation include:
Ensuring transparent and participatory governance of Waqf Boards.
Digitizing and updating all Waqf property records.
Empowering Pasmanda Muslims and marginalized groups in decision-making.
Strengthening legal mechanisms to prevent and address encroachments.
Promoting community awareness about the importance of Waqf properties.
Reforming Waqf land management is not just a legal or administrative task. It is a social justice imperative to ensure that the resources meant for the poor and vulnerable truly serve their purpose.
