Muslims demand justice, not appeasement: U Nisar Ahmed
Bengaluru: Retired IPS officer U Nisar Ahmed has called upon the new state government to develop both short-term and long-term plans to gain the trust of the Muslim community. Ahmed emphasized that Muslims should not be appeased but instead granted their rightful rights and justice. Speaking exclusively to Varthabharati, Ahmed highlighted several crucial steps that the new Congress government should take for the overall development of Muslims.
According to Ahmed, the secular party was elected to power because Muslims voted rationally, and the Congress party's election manifesto promised justice for all. He urged the new government to rectify the wrong decisions made by the previous administration as a priority. Specifically, Ahmed demanded the reinstatement of the reservation granted to Muslims under Category 2 'B' and the lifting of the ban on hijab in educational institutions.
Furthermore, Ahmed called for suitable amendments to the National Education Policy, the revival and strengthening of schemes and programs for minority welfare, and immediate intervention to protect innocent individuals who have been falsely accused and arrested.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the appointment of politicians as chairpersons and members of various minority-focused commissions and boards, Ahmed advocated for the appointment of experienced professionals, retired IAS, and IPS officers to these positions. He argued that the community would benefit greatly from their expertise.
Ahmed emphasized the urgent need for Muslim representation in key institutions such as the State Human Rights Commission, State Information Commission, and State Public Service Commission. He also stressed the importance of expediting the issuance of caste certificates to Muslims, warning officials who intentionally cause delays of possible suspension.
Another concern raised by Ahmed was the delay in issuing OBC certificates to Muslims, which hampers their job opportunities in central government positions. He urged authorities to verify eligible candidates promptly and issue the necessary certificates, emphasizing the need for strict instructions to prevent indifference in such cases.
Addressing the misuse of waqf properties, Ahmed proposed that the revenue department should register ownership rights of gazetted Waqf properties under the Wakf Board's name. He also called for cooperation between the police, revenue department, and the Waqf Board to reclaim encroached waqf properties.
In terms of educational and social initiatives, Ahmed suggested the allocation of government land to Muslim-owned institutions and utilizing the Haj Bhawan for coaching programs aimed at preparing Muslim youth for various competitive exams.
Regarding recruitment in government departments, Ahmed recommended prioritizing the appointment of honest and efficient officers from minority and backward classes, especially in crucial departments like the police and revenue departments. He also stressed the importance of considering Muslims for chairperson and member positions in the numerous corporations and boards under the government.
For example, the State Housing Board, Slum Development Board, Bangalore Development Authority, BMRDA, KIADB, KSIIDC, KSTDC, KSTDC, KSFC, MML, BMTC, Food Civil Supplies Corporation, Forest Development Corporation, Pollution Control Board, KPTCL etc.
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Parliament passes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Parliament early Friday passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, after it was approved by the Rajya Sabha.
The Lok Sabha had on Thursday approved the Bill after over a 12-hour debate.
In Rajya Sabha, the Bill got 128 votes in its favour and 95 against after all the amendments moved by the opposition were rejected.
In the lower house, the bill was supported by 288 MPs while 232 voted against it.
Participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha, Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Bill was brought with a number of amendments based on suggestions given by various stakeholders.
"The Waqf Board is a statutory body. All government bodies should be secular," the minister said, explaining the inclusion of non-Muslims on the board.
He, however, said the number of non-Muslims has been restricted to only four out of 22.
Rijiju also alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties, and not the BJP, were trying to scare Muslims with the Waqf Bill.
"You (opposition) are pushing Muslims out of the mainstream," he added.
He said for 60 years, the Congress and others ruled the country, but did not do much for Muslims and the community continues to live in poverty.
"Muslims are poor, who is responsible? You (Congress) are. Modi is now leading the government to uplift them," the minister said.
According to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Waqf tribunals will be strengthened, a structured selection process will be maintained, and a tenure will be fixed to ensure efficient dispute resolution.
As per the Bill, while Waqf institutions' mandatory contribution to Waqf boards is reduced from 7 per cent to 5 per cent, Waqf institutions earning over Rs 1 lakh will undergo audits by state-sponsored auditors.
A centralised portal will automate Waqf property management, improving efficiency and transparency.
The Bill proposes that practising Muslims (for at least five years) can dedicate their property to the Waqf, restoring pre-2013 rules.
It stipulates that women must receive their inheritance before the Waqf declaration, with special provisions for widows, divorced women and orphans.
The Bill proposes that an officer above the rank of collector investigate government properties claimed as Waqf.
It also proposes that non-Muslim members be included in the central and state Waqf boards for inclusivity.
