How Pasmandas Benefit From Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025?

Empowering Pasmanda Muslims through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Introduction

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is a significant legislative move aimed at reforming the governance and management of Waqf properties in India. By addressing concerns related to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, the bill seeks to ensure that the benefits of Waqf properties reach the intended beneficiaries. A particularly noteworthy aspect of this amendment is its focus on empowering Pasmanda Muslims—historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged members of the Muslim community. This article delves into the key provisions of the bill and how they contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of Pasmanda Muslims.

Understanding Waqf and Its Importance

Waqf refers to endowments made by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. These properties, once designated as Waqf, are meant to serve the welfare of the community in perpetuity. Managed by State Waqf Boards under the supervision of the Central Waqf Council, these assets have historically played a crucial role in supporting mosques, madrasas, hospitals, and orphanages.

However, over the years, the mismanagement and lack of accountability in Waqf institutions have led to widespread allegations of corruption and misuse. This has disproportionately affected marginalized Muslim communities, including the Pasmanda Muslims, who have struggled to access the benefits meant for their upliftment.

Who Are the Pasmanda Muslims?

Pasmanda Muslims belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes (SC) within the Muslim community. They have historically faced socio-economic exclusion, limited access to education, and restricted opportunities for political and economic advancement. Despite constituting a significant portion of India’s Muslim population, their representation in leadership roles, including in Waqf Boards, has been minimal.

The demand for Pasmanda inclusion in institutional governance has gained momentum in recent years, with activists advocating for reforms that ensure equitable distribution of resources. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, responds to these demands by introducing provisions that strengthen Pasmanda representation and safeguard their interests.

Key Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025

1. Increased Representation of Pasmanda Muslims in Waqf Boards

One of the most significant aspects of the bill is the mandate to include at least one member from the Pasmanda Muslim community in State Waqf Boards. This ensures that the concerns of marginalized sections are heard and addressed effectively. By having a seat at the decision-making table, Pasmanda representatives can advocate for fairer distribution of Waqf resources and prevent elite capture by more privileged groups.

2. Greater Transparency and Accountability

The bill introduces stricter auditing and monitoring mechanisms for Waqf properties. With many past reports highlighting the mismanagement of Waqf assets, the new amendments propose:

• Digitalization of Waqf records to prevent land encroachments.
• Regular audits to detect financial irregularities.
• Greater transparency in property leasing and fund allocation. These reforms are expected to prevent corruption and ensure that funds generated from Waqf properties are utilized for the benefit of disadvantaged groups, including Pasmanda Muslims.

3. Enhanced Welfare Measures for Marginalized Communities

The bill directs Waqf Boards to allocate a portion of their funds specifically for welfare schemes targeting Pasmanda Muslims. This includes:

• Scholarships for students from backward Muslim communities.
• Employment-oriented skill development programs.
• Healthcare initiatives to address the medical needs of underprivileged Muslims. These measures aim to bridge the socio-economic gap between Pasmanda Muslims and the more affluent sections of the community.

4. Strengthening Legal Safeguards

The amendment introduces stricter legal provisions to protect Waqf properties from illegal encroachments. Given that many Waqf properties have been unlawfully occupied, often depriving the community of valuable resources, the bill proposes:

• A streamlined dispute resolution mechanism for property recovery.
• Harsher penalties for illegal occupants.
• Legal assistance for affected communities to reclaim lost assets. These steps ensure that Waqf assets remain protected and can continue to serve their intended charitable purposes.

The Significance of the Bill for Pasmanda Empowerment

Breaking the Cycle of Marginalization

For decades, Pasmanda Muslims have faced systemic exclusion from key institutions that govern Muslim affairs in India. By ensuring their representation in Waqf Boards, the bill marks a critical step towards breaking this cycle of marginalization. It recognizes the need for equitable decision-making structures where all sections of the Muslim community have a voice.

Economic and Educational Upliftment

The allocation of Waqf funds for education and skill development directly benefits Pasmanda Muslims, many of whom lack access to quality educational opportunities. By creating avenues for economic mobility, the bill addresses a long-standing demand for affirmative action in the Muslim community.

Ensuring Justice and Fair Resource Distribution

The enhanced transparency measures outlined in the bill help prevent elite domination over Waqf resources. Historically, influential individuals and organizations have controlled Waqf institutions, often sidelining the needs of Pasmanda Muslims. The bill’s emphasis on accountability ensures that the distribution of Waqf benefits is based on genuine need rather than social privilege.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its positive provisions, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also faces some challenges:

• Implementation Hurdles: Ensuring compliance with the new regulations across all states may require significant administrative reforms.
• Political Opposition: Some sections within the Muslim community may resist increased Pasmanda representation, fearing a dilution of their influence.
• Judicial Bottlenecks: The legal mechanisms to reclaim encroached Waqf properties may face delays due to judicial backlogs. Addressing these challenges will require sustained government commitment and active engagement from community stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, represents a landmark step towards empowering Pasmanda Muslims by ensuring their inclusion in institutional governance, enhancing transparency in Waqf management, and allocating resources for their socio-economic development. By addressing historical injustices and fostering equitable resource distribution, the bill has the potential to transform the lives of millions of marginalized Muslims in India. However, its success will ultimately depend on effective implementation, continued advocacy, and community participation in the governance of Waqf institutions. With these measures in place, the bill can serve as a model for inclusive policy-making that benefits all sections of society.