Uttarakhand Waqf Board Proposes Land Allocation for Soldiers’ Families and Advocates for Uniform Civil Code

Dehradun, October 30, 2024: In a recent Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Uttarakhand Waqf Board made significant proposals aimed at honoring soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Proposal for Soldiers’ Families

The Uttarakhand Waqf Board suggested marking Waqf land for families of fallen soldiers, regardless of their religious affiliation. Led by Chairman Shadab Shams and CEO Syed Siraj Usman, the two-member delegation emphasized the importance of recognizing soldiers without religious distinction. They argued that allocating Waqf land to the families of these brave individuals is a collective responsibility of the nation.

Advocating for Uniform Civil Code

In addition to the land proposal, the board recommended a “one nation, one education, one law” framework. They suggested dissolving both the Waqf and madrassa boards, stating that with the impending implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, separate boards would be unnecessary. The UCC aims to promote equality among all citizens, regardless of their religion.

Recommendations for Further Action

The Uttarakhand Waqf Board also supported the idea of surveying temples and proposed involving premier agencies, such as the CBI, to investigate any potential controversies surrounding Waqf land. These recommendations highlight the board’s commitment to transparency and accountability in land management.