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Saturday - April 05, 2025
Weather: 13°C
REGD.-HP-09-0015257
SHIMLA/ WAKNAGHAT: Jaypee University of Informatio...
Shimla, April 5: State Public Works and Urban Deve...
Parliament Clears Historic Waqf Amendment Bill, 20...
Shimla, April 5: State Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh today announced the formation of the Raja Virbhadra Singh Foundation in honour of the late six-time Chief Minister Raja Virbhadra Singh.
The foundation is envisioned to play a pivotal role in the advancement of society and developmental initiatives across the state, with a particular emphasis on education, healthcare, and public welfare.
Vikramaditya Singh, who will preside as the chairman of the foundation, informed that four members have already been appointed to the body.
He further stated that the foundation will soon be expanded to induct distinguished individuals from various domains, including education, healthcare, and other fields of excellence, thereby ensuring that every section of society benefits from its endeavours.
Addressing the press at his residence, Holly Lodge, Singh underscored that the foundation is a non-political entity, and welcomes the participation of all.
He emphasised that the principal objective of the foundation is to uphold and advance the legacy of Raja Virbhadra Singh, a statesman who commanded immense respect and affection not only in Himachal Pradesh but throughout the nation.
On this occasion, Vikramaditya Singh also expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for granting approval for the installation of Raja Virbhadra Singh’s statue at the historic Ridge in Shimla.
He noted that all requisite formalities have been completed, and the statue will be unveiled by the Chief Minister on June 23, marking the birth anniversary of the late leader, at Daulat Singh Park at THE Ridge.
Parliament Clears Historic Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025: Spotlight on Reforms, Protests, and Legal Crossroads
NEW DELHI/SHIMLA:
In a landmark moment, both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — have passed the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, following intense debate and passionate interventions.
The BJP’s Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, delivered a fiery speech that captured the spotlight.
He not only outlined the Bill’s merits but also sought to differentiate between the broader Muslim community and what he termed as “aberrations” allegedly perpetuated by the Opposition.
Even as Parliament gave its nod, streets across several states have witnessed protests, with sections of the Muslim community — many aligned with the INDIA alliance — voicing strong dissent.
With the Bill now awaiting Presidential assent to become law, the discourse has deepened.
Supporters argue it strengthens transparency and accountability, while critics fear overreach into religious autonomy.
Legal experts anticipate potential challenges in courts, as stakeholders across the spectrum continue to debate its implications.
What is Waqf?
Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property by a person for purposes recognised under Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable.
These properties hold immense religious, social, and economic importance in India.
1954: The First Waqf Act
Introduced to regulate and safeguard Waqf properties, establishing a legal structure for their administration.
1995: The Waqf Act (Current Law)
Comprehensive overhaul for better management, dispute resolution through Waqf Tribunals, and establishment of Central and State Waqf Boards.
2025: Waqf Amendment Bill (Proposed Law)
Aims to enhance transparency, accountability, prevent misuse, and align with global best practices for managing charitable endowments.
India reportedly has over 8 lakh (800,000) registered Waqf properties — making it one of the largest collections of Waqf properties in the world.
According to the Sachar Committee Report (2006) and follow-up data:
Waqf properties cover around 6 lakh acres of land across the country.
The estimated market value of Waqf properties is over Rs 1.2 lakh crore, although experts suggest it could be much higher due to prime urban locations.
As per the Central Waqf Council:
States with the largest Waqf landholdings include Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
In Uttar Pradesh alone, there are more than 2 lakh Waqf properties.
Revenue Potential:
It is estimated that if managed efficiently, Waqf properties could generate annual revenues exceeding Rs 12,000 crore, yet current earnings are just a fraction of this potential due to mismanagement and encroachments.
Central Waqf Council (CWC):
Advisory role to the Government of India and State Boards, but no direct management authority.
State Waqf Boards (SWBs):
Custodians of Waqf properties, responsible for their management and protection at the state level.
Waqf Tribunals:
Exclusive judicial bodies for resolving disputes related to Waqf.
The passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill is only the beginning. The coming weeks are expected to witness:
Fresh street protests, particularly in states with significant Waqf assets mainly fueledby the vested interest and opposition parties.
Possible petitions challenging the Bill’s provisions in the Supreme Court as AIMIM chiefAsaduddinOwaisihas already declared to move the SupremeCourtof India.
Broader debates on religious autonomy, secular governance, and property rights.
The government maintains that these reforms are essential for safeguarding Waqf properties from misuse and unlocking their potential for community development.
Critics, however, argue that the Bill will give fair playground for all strands of Muslim community in India.
SC Notice on Bail Plea of Accused in Vimal Negi Death Case; Govt's Silence Raises Eyebrows
Shimla: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Himachal Pradesh government on the bail plea of Director (Electrical) Deshraj, one of the prime accused in the death of HPPCL’s General Manager, Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, whose body was recovered from the Bhakra Dam on March 18.
Despite the gravity of the case, the state government’s legal response appears lackadaisical, with no senior advocate representing it to contest Deshraj’s bail plea.
This glaring absence has fueled speculation that the government is shielding the accused rather than ensuring justice for Negi’s family.
Lethargy or a Cover-Up?
The lack of judicial seriousness displayed by the state has not gone unnoticed. It raises critical questions—why is the government soft-pedaling on a case where corruption and possible foul play are evident?
With allegations swirling around HPPCL’s 32 MW Solar Pekhubella project in Una and the 420 MW Shongtong-Karchham power project in Kinnaur, concerns of deep-rooted corruption are surfacing.
Even as the probe, led by Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Onkar Chand Sharma, questioned MD Herikesh Meena, Deshraj, and Shivam Pratap Singh, the delay in tangible action reeks of systemic rot.
SIT probing the case has not arrested Des Raj and it has reason to justify as his bail application is pending in the Supreme Court now.
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied?
The silence of the state is being countered by growing public outrage. Vimal Negi’s family, who had placed faith in the Chief Minister’s assurances for justice, is now running out of patience.
They are actively considering approaching the High Court, dissatisfied with the state’s handling of the investigation. For 15 days, Negi’s wife, Kiran Negi, and his elder brother, Surendra Negi, waited for answers—but none came.
Their demand for a CBI inquiry is not just a plea but a necessity in a case where political and bureaucratic shields seem impenetrable.
Kinnaur Rises: Candle March on April 5
The people of Kinnaur are refusing to remain silent spectators. A candle march, led by Negi’s family, is set to take place on April 5 at the district headquarters, demanding a fair and transparent investigation.
The march is not just a show of solidarity but a clarion call for accountability, untainted by political affiliations.
From Choura to Soomra, residents are being urged to participate and make their voices heard.
A Movement, Not Just a Protest
“This is not about politics; it’s about truth, integrity, and justice,” stated Kiran Negi, urging people to stand together.
“We want to ensure that no other honest officer faces the same fate as Vimal Negi.”
The fight is not merely for personal justice but a systemic cleanse to prevent corruption from consuming those who serve with honesty and dedication.
Will the Govt Wake Up?
With pressure mounting from the All India Power Engineers Association and the HPSEBL Union, the state can no longer afford to drag its feet.
The coming days will test whether the government chooses justice over vested interests or allows another case of institutional injustice to be buried under bureaucratic corruption.
#JusticeForVimalNegi #KinnaurFightsBack #CBIForNegiCase #StopShieldingCorrupt #FairTrialNow #PeopleDemandJustice
Waqf (Amendment) Bill Passed at Midnight: The End of a Parallel System or a Political Flashpoint?
New Delhi/Shimla | April 3 – In a dramatic midnight session, the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, setting the stage for a new political and legal battle over the control of religious endowment properties.
The next test this Bill face, will be in Rajya Sabha where the number is also with the NDA.
The bill, which expands government oversight over waqf lands and allows non-Muslim members on waqf boards, has divided political and public opinion, with BJP leaders celebrating it as a historic reform and opposition parties decrying it as an attack on minority rights.
What is Waqf? Understanding the History and Purpose
The concept of waqf dates back centuries and refers to a religious endowment made by Muslims for charitable, educational, or religious purposes.
Once a property is declared as waqf, it cannot be sold, transferred, or inherited and is meant to serve public welfare indefinitely.
But which legal authority and how and when declared waqf properties, nobody has an exact answer.
For that matter if one goes by Owaisi's line, waqf properties are that of Allah, then which legal authority gives or allot these properties to Waqf in the name of Allah? One answer is that: By Muslims.
It is generally believed that Mosques, madrasas, idgah, kabristan or cemeteries, and properties generating rental income for community projects fall under waqf administration.
But not all of them and not everywhere, this is the case.
After independence, the Waqf Act of 1954 (later amended in 1995 and 2013) formalized the waqf system in India, creating state waqf boards under the control of the Central Waqf Council. But it came into force only since 1995, informed Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.
Over time, these boards amassed over 8.72 lakh properties worth over 6 lakh acres of land across the country, making them one of the largest landowners in India. No GST, No tax and nothing to state or Central exchequer?
If one goes by this diktate, the purpose seemed to be clear—to use these properties for the upliftment of the Muslim community, particularly in education and welfare.
However, the lack of government oversight turned many waqf boards into closed-door institutions where corruption, mismanagement, and land scams became common.
The Controversy: What the New Bill Changes
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill brings major changes to the system, addressing longstanding concerns about opaque dealings in waqf properties and the unchecked power of waqf boards.
Major changes include:
Government can now review and regulate waqf properties, ensuring that they are used for the public good rather than personal or political gains.
Non-Muslim members can now be appointed to waqf boards, breaking the monopoly of self-styled religious leaders.
But Shah denied this as presumption as the government has no intention to do so and only Muslims will be appointed on the board.
State intervention in waqf land disputes is strengthened, preventing unauthorized land transfers or illegal leasing of properties.
Political Firestorm: BJP vs INDIA Alliance
As expected, the bill has triggered strong political reactions, with the INDIA bloc unanimously opposing it while the BJP and its allies have defended it as a long-overdue reform.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the bill as a “historic moment for independent India”, asserting that it will end decades of corruption within waqf boards and ensure that waqf properties serve their true purpose rather than becoming tools of political appeasement.
Home Minister Amit Shah went further, calling waqf boards “a parallel system of land control that operated outside Indian law”, adding that “no religious institution can be above national governance.”
Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party strongly opposed the bill, claiming that it is another BJP ploy to suppress Muslim representation and that this move will strip minority communities of their autonomy over religious affairs.
However, critics argue that Congress has never questioned the accountability of waqf boards despite numerous reports of financial mismanagement.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi called the bill a direct attack on Islam, stating that “waqf properties belong to Allah, and no government can interfere with them”, adding that Muslims are being systematically targeted under the guise of reforms.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav echoed these sentiments, alleging that the BJP is playing divisive politics to polarize voters before elections, while TMC chief Mamata Banerjee called the bill an assault on secularism.
CPM and DMK also opposed the bill, warning that it would set a dangerous precedent for government intervention in religious affairs and weaken the constitutional promise of religious freedom.
On the other hand, Anurag Thakur and other BJP leaders dismissed these claims, stating that “waqf boards have long operated without scrutiny, and it is time they are made accountable like any other institution in India.”
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and other NDA allies supported the bill, arguing that “appeasement politics has kept real issues hidden for too long.”
Implications for Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
With the bill now in force, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand—respectively ruled by Congress BJP, where waqf properties have been controversial—have witnessed immediate attention.
In Himachal, several disputes over waqf-controlled land in Shimla, Solan, and Kangra have led to allegations that public land was wrongfully taken over by waqf boards.
Local BJP leaders have long called for an investigation, arguing that valuable properties in prime locations have been leased out under dubious terms.
The new bill could trigger fresh legal battles over ownership and rightful use of these lands.
In Uttarakhand, the issue is even more sensitive. Haridwar, Dehradun, and Udham Singh Nagar have seen multiple waqf-related disputes, particularly in religiously significant areas where land ownership is contested.
Last year, the state government launched a survey of waqf lands, leading to clashes between authorities and waqf board members.
With this bill now law as and when Rajya Sabha gives its nod, the BJP is likely to push for stricter waqf regulations in Uttrakhand, framing it as a move to “liberate” land from illegal encroachments.
But in Himachal the Sukhu may go by the direction of the Congress high command keeping its implementation in deep freeze.
Beyond Politics: What’s Next for Waqf Properties?
While waqf institutions were originally created for community welfare, the reality today is far more complex.
There are glaring issues of corruption, lack of transparency, and political influence that have diverted waqf’s intended role.
Many waqf-funded madrasas and schools lack proper infrastructure, and funds meant for educating underprivileged Muslims are often unaccounted for.
The new bill could bring much-needed reforms, but it also raises critical questions—how will state intervention affect waqf autonomy?
Will this bill actually improve the condition of poor Muslims, or is it just another political tool?
If BJP’s real intention is to reform waqf governance, then it must ensure that waqf properties are utilized for real educational and welfare programs, rather than merely being controlled by new political appointees.
While the opposition claims this is an assault on religious freedom, they have failed to offer any alternative solutions to the deep-rooted problems within waqf boards.
Similarly, while the BJP portrays this as a clean-up operation, its leaders must answer how this law will ensure genuine welfare for underprivileged Muslims rather than becoming just another land battle.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is more than just a legal reform—it is a statement on how India balances religion, governance, and accountability.
With legal challenges likely and political tensions rising, one thing is certain—the way waqf properties are managed in India will never be the same again.
#WaqfBill #BJP #INDIAAlliance #WaqfCorruption #MinorityAppeasement #HimachalPolitics #UttarakhandNews #2024Elections #JaiShriRam
HPMC Under Fire: Apple Growers Slam the Sukhu government mainky horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi for Leasing CA Stores to Private Players.. HOMC remains in the red over years and Negi has no plan to bring professionalism to the organization.
Shimla, April 2: Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh are up in arms against the Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi and the Himachal Pradesh Marketing Corporation (HPMC) for leasing out its Controlled Atmosphere (CA) stores to private players.
The move, they say, not only betrays the interests of the farmers but also exposes the larger failure of HPMC in fulfilling its original mandate.
HPMC was initially established to break the monopoly of commission agents in Delhi and provide direct market access to apple growers.
It successfully transported and sold Himachal apples in various markets, liberating farmers from exploitative middlemen.
However, over the years, the organization has deteriorated into little more than a seller of pesticides, agricultural tools, and packaging materials, all while failing to establish itself as a serious market player.
HPMC’s Failure to Reform
Under the leadership of Minister Jagat Singh Negi, HPMC has failed to revamp itself.
Losses are mounting, corruption is high.
Despite receiving significant financial support from the World Bank-funded Apple Rejuvenation Project, the corporation has chosen to lease its upgraded cold storage facilities to private players instead of directly benefiting the growers.
Apple farmers argue that this will lead to monopolistic control by private entities, leaving them at the mercy of non-transparent pricing mechanisms.
"Instead of working for the welfare of growers, HPMC has washed its hands off the matter.
It has betrayed farmers by handing over crucial infrastructure to private businesses that will dictate storage rates and conditions," said Lokinder Bisht, President, PGA.
Corruption and Mismanagement
HPMC has also come under fire for procuring substandard tools and machines—including sprayers, cutters, fertilizers, spray oils, cartons, and trays—and selling them to farmers at inflated prices, chargeed growers.
Farmers allege rampant corruption in the procurement process, further burdening them financially.
Moreover, HPMC lacks professional market managers and is instead run by politicians and bureaucrats who have little to no expertise in horticultural trade and industry.
This has left the organization in perpetual financial distress, failing to provide apple growers with a reliable alternative to private traders.
Broken Promises and Absence from Market Yards
In 2023, the horticulture minister had announced with much fanfare that HPMC would enter Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yards as a commission agent to provide growers better rates.
However, in 2024, HPMC was conspicuously absent from these yards, failing to deliver on its promise.
Now, by leasing out its CA stores to private players, it has completely stepped away from its role in ensuring fair prices for farmers.
The only silver lining, farmers say, is HPMC’s decision to procure apples under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) in crates instead of bags and the introduction of the universal carton last year.
However, these steps are far from enough to restore faith in the organization.
Demand for Accountability
Farmers’ associations, including the Progressive Growers Association (PGA), are now demanding accountability from the horticulture minister.
"The incompetence of the horticulture minister needs to be called out. If HPMC continues down this path, it will completely lose its relevance, said the farmers.
"We need an immediate rollback of this decision and a clear roadmap for HPMC to function as a pro-farmer organization," said Bisht.
The big question remains: Does the World Bank’s funding regulations even allow for the leasing out of these facilities to private players?
If not, this could be yet another scandal in the making.
With the apple season fast approaching, growers are now gearing up for protests, demanding that HPMC either fulfill its mandate or be restructured entirely.
The ball is now in the court of the government—will it act in the interest of the farmers or bow down to private interests?
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