ITANAGAR, May 06: In a landmark initiative under Waqf Sudhar Janjagaran Abhiyan (WSJA), state BJP Arunachal Pradesh, hosted the Chief Minister Sambadon Waqt Sudhar Janjagaran Abhiyan at the CM residence here on Tuesday to engage with citizens on transformative reforms brought about through Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
CM Pema Khandu, spoke with great clarity and conviction about far-reaching benefits of the amended Act. He lauded visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing transparency, justice and better governance in the management of community resources through the Act.
The Act may not have a substantial impact in Arunachal due to its demographic context, but he highlighted deep concerns raised over the years by Muslim community across the nation for misuse, mismanagement and lack of accountability and said that the its earlier version contained arbitrary provisions that often led to injustice.
He pointed out that institutions meant for community welfare were unfortunately politicized in previous regimes and alleged that during Congress tenure, lands meant for the benefit of underprivileged Muslim citizens were misused—a grave injustice that the new law seeks to rectify.
He urged state’s Muslim community to come forward and fully understand benefits of this reform. He encouraged them to meet Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju, who had introduced Amendment Bill in Parliament, in Itanagar with WSJA convener Tayek Goi.
Reiterating his unwavering commitment to communal harmony, equity and good governance, he assured them of his full support and cooperation in ensuring peace and security as the state stands united in the spirit of inclusive development and national progress.
Goi, in his address, criticized mismanagement of Waqf Board, under Congress regime, citing findings of Sachar Committee Report-2006, which says over four lakh Waqf properties were registered, which generated only Rs 164 crore annually, having potential to yield Rs 12,000 crore.
The Waqf Assets Management System of India shows 8,72,320 properties registered now, he said, adding annual revenue would exceed previous estimates now. He welcomed amendments made through the Joint Parliamentary Committee, noting that women previously excluded would have representation in Waqf Board now.
State BJP president Kaling Moyong, WSJA member Teli Amita and media co-convener
Nima Sangey was also present, according to a BJP release.
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