- (Waqf is an endowment made by a Muslim to a religious, educational, or charitable cause)
What is the Central Waqf Council?
- Central Waqf Council is a statutory body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Minority Affairs was set up in 1964 as per the provision given in the Waqf Act, 1954 as Advisory Body to the Central Government on matters concerning the working of the Waqf Boards and the due administration of Auqaf. However, the role of the Council was expanded significantly under the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2013.
- The Council has been empowered to advise the Central Government, State Governments and State Waqf Boards. It will now issue directives to the boards/ State Government to furnish information to the Council on the performance of the board particularly on their financial performance, survey, revenue records, encroachment of Waqf properties, Annual and Audit report etc under section 9 (4) of the act.
- Working of Central Waqf Council
- The Council consists of Chairperson, who is the Union Minister In charge of Waqf and such other members, not exceeding 20 in number, as may be appointed by the Government of India.
- Functions
- To render legal advice on protection and retrieval of the Waqf Properties and for removal of encroachment.
- To implement Educational and Women Welfare Schemes for skill development and to empower the poor, specially Women.
- To undertake awareness programmes to promote the interest of the Council and to sensitize the Waqf institutions about their new roles and responsibilities.
