The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 has caused quite the commotion in India, with its proposed changes to the management of Waqf properties. However, amidst all the chaos, a recent development has been uncovered – the Uttarakhand Waqf Board’s plan to allocate land for a Gaushala in Dehradun and Haridwar.
The recent uproar over the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 has taken the country by storm. The bill, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, seeks to overhaul the management and regulation of Waqf properties across India.
In an exclusive access, it has been found that while the country is divided over the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024, the Uttarakhand Waqf Board is planning to allocate land for a Gaushala (cow shelter) in Dehradun and Haridwar. This news comes as a surprise to many, as it showcases the spirit of communal harmony and unity in diversity.
The official letter from Uttrakhand Go Seva Aayog, dated September 12, 2024, clearly states that there has been a discussion held on August 28th 2024 to give shelter to unprotected cows roaming on the roads of Dehradun and Haridwar. The Waqf Board has taken this initiative under the leadership of Uttrakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams.
When we reached out to Chairman Shams for confirmation, he not only confirmed the news but also expressed his pride in being a part of this noble cause.
Uttrakhand Waqf Board Chairman Shadab Shams stated that this decision by the Waqf Board is not just about protecting cows but also about promoting communal harmony and working towards the betterment of motherland and its people. He emphasized that protecting cows is not just a religious duty, but also a moral obligation towards the environment and society. He further added that this move will also help in reducing incidents of cow vigilantism, which have been on the rise in recent years.
While the Waqf Board Amendment Bill has sparked heated debates and protests, the decision of Uttarakhand Waqf Board to allocate land for a Gaushala has brought a ray of hope amidst the chaos
The Waqf Board Amendment Bill, which aims to amend the existing Waqf Act of 1995, has been met with severe criticism from multiple stakeholders. Community leaders, activists, opposition figures, and legal experts have all expressed their concerns about the bill, claiming that it could potentially lead to the misuse of Waqf properties and even their takeover by the government.
This criticism is based on the provision in the bill that allows for the central government to remove a Waqf board member if they are found to be involved in any illegal or corrupt activities. Additionally, some state governments, including West Bengal and Kerala, have openly rejected the bill, citing concerns about its potential impact on the autonomy of state Waqf boards. These criticisms highlight the need for careful consideration and thorough consultation with all stakeholders before passing such a significant amendment.