Following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 in both Houses of Parliament, the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has initiated a major drive to gather detailed records of all Waqf properties in the state. The move comes amid serious allegations that more than 90 percent of Waqf properties—valued at over Rs 5,000 crore—are under illegal occupation, including by land mafias and influential political figures.
Dr. Saleem Raj, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board, confirmed that the board has issued a circular to all mutawallis (caretakers) across the state, instructing them to submit comprehensive details of properties under their management. This includes not just the location and status of the properties but also their income and expenditure records. The data, once collected, will be uploaded to a new digital portal being developed by the state board to bring greater transparency in the management of Waqf assets.
“We are ensuring that every piece of Waqf property in the state is accounted for. The directive applies to all mutawallis, and strict compliance will be expected,” Dr. Raj told reporters.
According to official estimates, Waqf properties worth Rs 3,500 crore are located in urban areas of Chhattisgarh, while another Rs 1,500 crore worth of land and assets are situated in rural regions. These properties include mosques, graveyards, educational institutions, shops, and plots donated for charitable purposes.
A total of 2,006 Waqf properties have been identified across districts such as Raipur, Raigarh, Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, Jagdalpur, Mungeli, Dhamtari, and Durg. However, the board has alleged that an overwhelming 90 percent of these are under illegal encroachment.
“Our estimate is that most of these encroachments have been carried out by land mafias, self-styled contractors of the Muslim community, and even senior Congress leaders,” Dr. Raj claimed.
He accused previous governments of turning a blind eye to the misuse and illegal occupation of Waqf assets, resulting in immense financial losses to the community and the denial of rightful welfare schemes meant for the poor.
Dr. Raj welcomed the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, calling it a significant step toward empowering underprivileged Muslims, especially divorced and widowed women who are often ignored in mainstream welfare schemes.
“This legislation opens the door for transparency, accountability, and a future where Waqf assets will actually benefit the poor. Previous regimes merely used Muslims as vote banks but failed to protect their institutions or interests,” he said.
The Bill, passed amid heated debate in Parliament, amends existing provisions to introduce stricter oversight, make encroachments punishable offenses, and enhance the authority of the Central Waqf Council. It also empowers the government to investigate irregularities, audit accounts more rigorously, and ensure community participation in property management.
Dr. Raj’s remarks—particularly his allegations against Congress leaders—are expected to stir the political pot in the state, especially with assembly elections on the horizon. The Congress party, which has traditionally drawn support from minority communities, has yet to respond to the claims.
Meanwhile, the Waqf Board has made it clear that this audit and digital record drive will continue, with punitive action likely against those who fail to submit accurate information or are found involved in illegal occupation.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Raj. “The goal is to restore these properties to their intended purpose—serving the poor and the community with honesty and transparency.”
