ASI To Approach Waqf Bill JPC As 250 Of Its Sites Are Listed As Waqf Properties, Many Mentioned By Sachar Committee: Report

An internal survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found that 250 of its safeguarded monuments are presently listed as Waqf properties, the Indian Express reported.

The primary agency anticipates documenting this with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that is reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, while also advocating for the reinstatement of their control.

Insiders reveal that the present list encompasses numerous monuments mentioned in the 2006 Sachar Committee report. This report discussed the Social, Economic, and Educational Status of the Muslim Community of India and identified "Waqf properties in India under unauthorised possession of ASI".

Not all of the 172 sites mentioned are nationally recognised protected monuments, however, some notable locations in Delhi encompass Jama Masjid at Ferozeshah Kotla, the Chhoti Gumti makbara in RK Puram, as well as Hauz Khas Masjid and Idgah. These monuments are spread widely across the country, according to sources.

In the JPC's fourth gathering in September, the ASI had estimated the count to be 120. However, after seeking information from multiple circles, the count has now escalated to 250, according to sources.

The agency plans to explain to the JPC the difficulties this creates in management and conservation efforts. Furthermore, a significant number of these monuments were independently claimed as their own by the Waqf Board.

In September, the ASI provided a detailed presentation about Waqf-related issues in protected monuments and sites. Additionally, they outlined the challenges they are encountering in preserving and conserving these historical landmarks.

It is understood that a significant dispute is likely to arise between the ASI and the Waqf Board due to the one-sided nature of these disagreements. The Waqf Act of 1995 gives the Board the power to designate any property or building as a Waqf property for charity purposes.

Leveraging this power, the Board has issued declarations marking protected monuments as Waqf properties, which has led to clashes with the rights established under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR) of 1958.