AISSC Praises Government's Move to Amend Waqf Laws

The All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) commended the government's decision to amend the 1995 law governing Waqf boards. This bill aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and ensure mandatory inclusion of women. AISSC also called for a separate Dargah Board and met with national leaders to present their concerns.

The All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council on Tuesday welcomed the government's decision to amend the law governing Waqf boards, terming it as a long-overdue move.

The government plans to introduce a bill in Parliament to amend the 1995 law, focusing on increasing accountability, transparency, and the mandatory inclusion of women in Waqf boards. Sources confirmed these changes.

AISSC chairman Hazrot Syed Naseruddin Chishty advocated for a separate Dargah Board under the new amendments, citing a lack of recognition for dargahs' traditions in the current Waqf Act. He criticized the existing Waqf Boards for their 'dictatorial manner' and lack of transparency at a press conference.

Chishty expressed optimism about the comprehensive nature of the draft Waqf Amendment Bill and mentioned plans to submit recommendations after reviewing it. AISSC representatives also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to voice their concerns.

Chishty conveyed that both the NSA and the Minority Affairs Minister assured that all stakeholders would be consulted, and the amendments would benefit the Muslim community. Rijiju described the discussions as 'fruitful' and 'forward-looking' in a social media post, citing the delegation's praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts toward the welfare of the minority community.