The Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Prof Salim Engineer, has strongly criticised the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on Waqf and stated that Muslim organisations will employ all legal means to resist any attempts to usurp Waqf land through the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024.
Addressing the media at the JIH Monthly Press Conference held at their headquarters, he asserted that the bill threatens the religious and constitutional rights of Muslims in the country.
Prof Salim Engineer accused the JPC of being biased, ignoring opposition voices, and disregarding objections from millions of citizens. He alleged that the bill, despite widespread opposition, was being pushed through in a manner that made the consultative process appear superficial and deceptive.
According to him, the bill is designed to seize control of Waqf properties under the guise of reform. He specifically raised concerns over the removal of the ‘Waqf by user’ principle, which he said endangers longstanding religious sites such as mosques and dargahs, making them vulnerable to litigation and possible state appropriation.
"The bill alters the definition of Waqf, changes the roles of custodians, and restricts the autonomy of Waqf Boards. This move is a direct violation of Article 26 of the Constitution, which safeguards the right of religious minorities to manage their institutions," he stated. Stressing that Waqf properties are religious endowments and not government assets, he warned that any direct state intervention in their management would infringe upon constitutionally protected religious rights.
The JIH Vice President called upon secular parties, including allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition, to resist the bill, which he claimed contravenes Articles 25, 26, 29, and 14 of the Constitution. He urged the government to withdraw the bill and instead focus on effective implementation of existing Waqf laws.
He warned that if the government passes the bill in what he described as an undemocratic manner, JIH will support the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other Muslim organisations in legally and constitutionally resisting any attempt to infringe upon the rights of the Muslim community and their Waqf institutions.
JIH expresses grief over Mahakumbh stampede
National Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Syed Tanveer Ahmed, expressed deep sorrow over the recent tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which claimed multiple lives. Offering condolences to the bereaved families, he underscored the urgent need for meticulous planning and crowd management to prevent such disasters in the future.
He emphasised that the safety and well-being of pilgrims should be of utmost priority and urged authorities to ensure that arrangements for common devotees are not compromised in favour of VIPs and special guests. He criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre for failing to address shortcomings in crowd management, which led to the tragic loss of lives.
Ahmed also condemned what he called an attempt to stifle media coverage of the incident. "Attempts to suppress media reporting that highlights deficiencies in event management are unacceptable. A free and responsible press is crucial in ensuring that such lapses are brought to light so that necessary corrections can be made in time," he said. He urged the government to remain transparent and allow the media to perform its role without interference.
He further commended the efforts of individuals, particularly members of the Muslim community, who extended aid to stranded pilgrims. According to him, many pilgrims received shelter in mosques, and essential provisions such as food and blankets were arranged for those in distress. He called for such acts of communal harmony and solidarity to be recognised as a model for the nation to follow.
Union Budget 2025-26: JIH calls for increased social spending
At the press conference, Prof Salim Engineer also provided an analysis of the Union Budget 2025-26, acknowledging certain positive aspects while criticising its shortcomings. He appreciated measures such as income tax cuts, raising the rebate threshold to Rs 12 lakh, and maintaining fiscal prudence by keeping the fiscal deficit at 4.4% of GDP despite a revenue loss of Rs 1 lakh crore. He also welcomed regulatory reforms aimed at easing business operations and promoting investment and trade.
However, he expressed disappointment over what he perceived as an inadequate focus on social welfare. He revealed that JIH had submitted suggestions to the Finance Ministry advocating for a shift from a supply-side strategy—which prioritises business growth and tax incentives—to a demand-side approach aimed at enhancing citizens' purchasing power, stimulating consumption, and expanding welfare programs. He lamented that most of these recommendations were ignored in the final budget.
"The Union Budget 2025-26 should have been expansionary. Instead, total expenditure has been cut by nearly Rs 1 lakh crore. This reduction will inevitably affect social spending and worsen the conditions of the poor," he stated. He criticised the continued cuts to MGNREGA, the absence of an urban employment scheme, and insufficient allocations to healthcare and education. He called for healthcare spending to be increased to 4% of GDP and the launch of a comprehensive education mission with a 6% GDP allocation.
Prof Salim Engineer also pointed out that the budget failed to address critical issues such as minority empowerment, SC/ST welfare, and agrarian debt relief. He argued that the budget lacked measures to promote social justice and equitable development.
He raised concerns over the government's rising debt obligations, noting that 20% of the total expenditure is allocated to interest payments. To prevent the country from falling into a debt trap, he proposed transitioning towards an equity-based finance model and an interest-free economy. "We can start by introducing an interest-free banking window within conventional banks as a step towards an equity-based financial system," he suggested.
The JIH Vice President concluded by urging the government to adopt a more inclusive economic policy that goes beyond partisan and vote-bank considerations. "The budget should serve as an instrument of genuine economic transformation that benefits all citizens, particularly the marginalised and underprivileged," he asserted.