-The Indian government is set to overhaul the Waqf Act to restrict the powers of the Waqf Board, the third largest landowner in India
-40 amendments to the act were approved by the cabinet and will be brought to Parliament soon
-The amendments aim to reduce arbitrary powers of the Waqf Boards, involve district magistrates in monitoring properties, and increase women’s participation in the Central Waqf Council
-Waqf properties generate revenue of Rs 200 crore per annum and will be closely monitored
-The Waqf Act was passed in 1954 under PM Jawaharlal Nehru’s government and led to the centralization of Waqfs
-Asaduddin Owaisi and All India Muslim Personal Law Board oppose the proposed amendments, stating it interferes with the autonomy of the Waqf Board
-This is not the first time amendments have been made to the Waqf Act, with the UPA government giving more powers to Waqf Boards in 2013.