“Vast majority of the valuable Wakf properties in the country are in the possession of Muslims or Muslim organisations who are paying rents which are not sufficient even for the upkeep of the property”, notes the JPC report headed by Deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha K Rahman Khan. The committee presented its ninth report to both houses of parliament on October 23.

The committee has also expressed grave concern over the fact that in several state Wakf Boards, the chairman signs the lease order, which is unlawful. Under the wakf act chairman has no such authority. The committee recommended that all the lease contract sign by the chairman of the Wakf board in any state should be cancelled forthwith treating them as illegal. It said that the central Wakf council in consultation with ministry of Minority affair should prepare a uniform leasing policy, which should be made applicable in all the states.

The JPC found that the Muslim community, which is the main beneficiaries of the Wakfs, is agitated and feels helpless because of the indifferent attitude of the central and state governments toward Wakf properties. The committee however said that Muslim community has remained a silent spectator to the exploitation of the Wakf properties by vested interests within the community and only blame the government.

The committee strongly recommended the setting up of a Disputed Resolution Authority, which would resolve the long pending land disputes between government and the various Wakf boards. The authority could either be a statutory body or set up by an order of the government. The JPC also recommended that Wakf boards should not be used for providing political patronage by the state governments.#