New Delhi: The Andhra Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has dissolved the state Waqf board that was appointed by the previous YSR Congress administration. The decision comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
In an official order issued on November 30, the state government said that the Waqf Board, established by the YSRC government, had been inactive for a long period, specifically since March 2023. The Waqf Board formed under the previous administration comprised 11 members, with three elected and eight nominated. It should be mentioned that the Andhra Pradesh High Court had, on November 1, 2023, suspended the election of the Waqf Board’s chairperson after a challenge to the board’s formation process.
Govt withdraws October 2023 order
The order also said that the Chief Executive Officer of the Andhra Pradesh State Waqf Board, based in Vijayawada, had told the government about the board’s prolonged inactivity and the pending writ petitions that questioned the legality of GOMs No. 47. The aim was to resolve these legal issues and prevent an administrative vacuum. After reviewing the situation and the High Court’s ruling, the Minorities Welfare Department announced that the state government was withdrawing the government order issued on October 21, 2023, with immediate effect.
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Minister for Minority Welfare NM Farooq said that the coalition government, under Naidu’s leadership, is fully committed to safeguarding Waqf properties and ensuring the welfare of minorities. “The government is taking steps in this direction,” Farooq was quoted as saying by Telangana Today.
Waqf Amendment Bill
The Central government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha in August, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to ensure greater accountability, transparency and the inclusion of women in Waqf boards. The bill also proposes digitisation, stricter audits and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. While the Muslim community has strongly opposed the bill, the Centre maintains that the reforms are beneficial. On Thursday, the Lok Sabha extended the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s tenure on the bill until the Budget Session next year, which would allowing more stakeholders, including states, to present their views.
