Kochi: The recent protests in Munambam, Kerala, where locals stood up against perceived mismanagement of Waqf properties, have raised important questions about the administration and transparency of Waqf assets across India. In Munambam, fishing communities and other residents protested against what they see as an unfair allocation of Waqf properties — assets originally intended to uplift the local population but which now, they argue, serve other interests.

The Munambam dispute is not an isolated incident; it’s emblematic of a larger issue concerning the lack of accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness in the Waqf system. It reveals the pressing need to address the shortcomings of Waqf boards and their practices, which often affect the very communities these assets are meant to support.

Munambam’s Protest: A Symptom of a Deeper Issue

In Munambam, the cries of local fishermen and community members highlight frustrations about how Waqf lands have been handled. These lands, often endowed by individuals for charitable and community purposes, are meant to benefit all, regardless of religious or social background. Yet, time and again, reports indicate that Waqf boards operate with limited accountability, favoring certain groups or interests over the local population.

Residents have expressed grievances over a lack of transparency and the opaque processes by which these assets are managed and utilized. Their discontent with how Waqf land is repurposed for projects that don’t serve their communities underscores the need for sweeping reforms. The system, they argue, has shifted from its original purpose, becoming inaccessible to the very people it was created to help.

The Problems with Current Waqf Practices

The Munambam crisis exposes broader structural issues within the Waqf system that demand urgent reform. Among these issues are:

Lack of Transparency: Waqf boards often manage large estates and financial resources with minimal accountability. The lack of transparency in decision-making makes it difficult for communities to know how resources are allocated or whether they are being used for the intended charitable purposes.

Poor Management and Encroachment: Mismanagement of Waqf properties has led to widespread encroachment and misuse, diminishing the value and impact of these assets. In Munambam, local residents voiced concern that land intended for community welfare was being used in ways that overlooked or even harmed them.

Bureaucratic Control Without Community Input: Waqf boards operate under bureaucratic constraints that frequently exclude community voices. This detachment from the people who are directly affected by Waqf property decisions has led to frustration and distrust. The Munambam protest shows the danger of sidelining community stakeholders in decision-making processes.

Alleged Favoritism and Corruption: In several cases across India, allegations have emerged of favoritism and corruption within Waqf boards, where only certain groups benefit from Waqf assets. This unequal access to resources undermines the very ethos of Waqf, which is based on principles of charity, equity, and social upliftment.

The Need for Urgent Reforms

The Munambam protest illustrates a pivotal need to overhaul the Waqf system with meaningful reforms. Here are key changes that could address these deep-rooted issues:

Greater Transparency and Accountability: There must be strict audits and publicly accessible records of all Waqf assets, their revenue, and their usage. Transparency would allow the community to understand how these resources are being utilized and hold Waqf boards accountable.

Community-Centric Decision Making: Waqf boards should be required to consult with local stakeholders on the allocation and use of Waqf assets. This would ensure that the resources benefit the intended communities and avoid the kind of disenfranchisement seen in Munambam.

Clear Guidelines and Anti-Corruption Measures: To prevent favoritism and misallocation, Waqf boards must operate under stringent guidelines with strong anti-corruption measures. Establishing independent oversight committees could deter corruption and ensure equitable distribution.

Enhanced Legal Framework: India’s Waqf laws should be revisited to allow for more robust protections against encroachment and misuse. Stronger laws would protect Waqf properties from being misappropriated or exploited by those with vested interests.

Munambam’s Lesson: The Waqf System Must Serve Its Communities

The Munambam protests serve as a critical reminder that Waqf assets, while managed by religious boards, must not neglect the communities they were meant to support. When bureaucratic procedures sideline the people, these assets become tools of division rather than unity. The current system fails to uphold the charitable and equitable principles on which Waqf was founded.

This situation calls for a re-imagining of Waqf property management in India. Rather than continuing with a broken system that alienates local communities, the government and Waqf boards must collaborate to rebuild a structure that is fair, transparent, and truly serves the people. The Munambam community’s protests reveal a yearning for justice and inclusivity that cannot be ignored. Only through substantial reform can we ensure that Waqf resources fulfill their noble purpose, benefiting communities across India and fostering goodwill.

It’s time for India to heed the lessons of Munambam and work towards a Waqf system that aligns with both the spirit of its original mission and the needs of the people it was designed to uplift.