Kiren Rijiju flags 'loot' of Waqf properties, affirms better future for poor Muslims

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has raised concerns over the misuse of Waqf properties in India, highlighting the need for effective utilisation of land resources to benefit marginalised communities. 
 

Speaking on the recent amendments to the land bill, Rijiju stressed that India, being a large country, must ensure that “every inch of land in the country should be used properly” and is free from disputes.

Rijiju pointed that India holds the largest number of Waqf properties in the world, with over 9.72 lakh registered assets. However, he expressed concern that these properties are not serving their intended purpose of supporting poor Muslims and are instead being subjected to misuse and illegal occupation.

“This is a matter of serious concern,” the minister said, adding that the recent land bill amendments aim to address two key issues—benefiting the poor Muslims and curbing the looting and misappropriation of Waqf assets.

"So when we amended the land bill, our two main objectives are to benefit the poor Muslims and to stop the looting and misuse of the property," he said. 

The remarks come amid ongoing debates around land reforms and the management of religious endowments, with the Centre pushing for greater transparency and accountability in the administration of such properties.