Uttar Pradesh Minister Hails Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, Claims It Will Benefit Muslims
Uttar Pradesh’s Minority Affairs Minister, Danish Ansari, expressed strong support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, emphasizing that its passage will open new avenues for the development of the Muslim community in India. The Bill was celebrated by Muslims, with sweets being distributed to mark the occasion of its passage in the Lok Sabha.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Ansari highlighted the positive changes the Bill would bring to the lives of Muslims. He mentioned that, if enacted into law, the legislation would ensure proper auditing of Waqf Boards, eliminate encroachments on Waqf properties, and provide representation for Pasmanda Muslims on the boards, which would help the community.
“The Bill is a step forward for the welfare of the Muslim community, as it will stop the misuse of Waqf properties, which are considered sacred,” Ansari stated. “The new measures will ensure that the properties, which belong to the public, are used for the betterment of the community and not exploited for personal gain.”
The Minister also criticized opposition leaders, particularly Akbaruddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), who called the passage of the Bill a “Black Day” and declared it unconstitutional. Ansari responded by accusing the opposition of hindering the development of Pasmanda Muslims, a subgroup of Indian Muslims historically marginalized in socio-economic terms.
Addressing concerns about the management of Waqf properties, Ansari shared alarming statistics about the value and revenue generated by these assets. He explained that the total value of Waqf properties in India is estimated at Rs 1.25 lakh crore, which could generate an annual revenue of over Rs 1,250 crore. However, the current revenue is just Rs 150 crore, with the rest allegedly being misappropriated. Ansari pointed out that if managed properly, this revenue could fund hundreds of educational institutions, hospitals, and skill development centers for Muslim youth.
Focusing on Uttar Pradesh, Ansari listed the number of Waqf properties across various districts in the state, highlighting the potential for greater community benefit. For example, Bijnor has 4,697 properties, Balrampur has 4,248, and Moradabad has 3,295. He urged local Muslims to inspect these properties to ensure they are being utilized for charitable purposes and not for personal gain.
Ansari concluded by hailing the amendment as a necessary step towards building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for dedicating the legislation to the welfare of Muslims, asserting that the Modi government is acting in accordance with Allah’s will. However, he criticized those trying to manipulate the community and block the progress enabled by the Bill.
The passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is seen as a significant step in addressing long-standing concerns related to the management of Waqf properties and ensuring that they are utilized for the welfare of the Muslim community, particularly the marginalized Pasmanda Muslims.
