The NDA’s ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Wednesday requested the Central Government to exempt states to decide the structure of Waqf boards. Participating in the debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, TDP MP Krishna Prasad Teenti said that the Central Government should consider giving the states the freedom to decide the structure of Waqf Board while making rules under this Act.
8.7 lakh Waqf properties in India
He hoped that the central government would seriously consider the suggestion of giving this right to the states in the interest of Muslim women, youth and the deprived sections of society. Teenanti said that this step will show TDP’s inclusive development and commitment to the welfare of communities.
The Bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 to resolve issues related to regulation and management of Waqf properties. There are 8.7 lakh Waqf properties in India, which are spread over 9.4 lakh acres of land and their estimated price is Rs 1.2 lakh crore.
Proposal to remove Section 40 of Waqf Act
Under this bill, it is proposed to remove Section 40 of the Waqf Act, which gives the Waqf boards the power to determine the vaqf status of the properties. Teenanti said that these properties have not been used correctly for community benefits and need to be operated in a better way.