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Decks cleared for separate Wakf Board

SHIMLA, AUG.22. Decks have been cleared for the formation of a separate Wakf Board for Himachal Pradesh with the state High Court recently dismissing a petition challenging the proposed board.

Though the State Government had issued a notification last year for the formation of the new Wakf Board following a directive by the Centre to states to constitute separate Wakf Boards, its formation was stalled due to the filing of a writ in the High Court by a Bilaspur resident Zahir Alam.

Mr. Alam had argued that a separate Wakf Board in Himachal Pradesh would not be sustainable as it would not have enough sources of income. The petition was dismissed by the High Court as not maintainable. Earlier the State had a common Wakf Board with the neighbouring States of Punjab and Haryana.

The prospect of the formation of a separate Wakf Board has brought cheers to the State's Muslim population, estimated to be above three lakh.

The leaders here feel that under the supervision of the State Government, the Board would be able to get better yields from the Wakf property in the State which could be utilised for the benefit of the minority community.

It has been alleged that returns from the Wakf property had not percolated down to the needy sections of the minority community in the State.

Muslim leaders have alleged that though the Wakf Board has property worth more than Rs 300 crore in the State, it has either been rented out on meagre rates or has been in possession of unauthorised occupants.

It is learnt that the State Government is likely to appoint an administrator to manage the affairs of the Board.

The Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, assured a deputation of Muslim leaders last week that the State Government would extend all possible help so that the Board begins its functioning on a sound footing. UNI

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