‘Stop applying Waqf Act in tribal areas in Rajasthan, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh, says Udaipur MP Manna Lal Rawat

JAIPUR/UDAIPUR: Udaipur MP Manna Lal Rawat has urged the governors and chief ministers of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to stop the application of the Waqf Act, 1995, in the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas of the three states.
In a letter dated Sep 19, addressed to Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhau C Patel, and CMs Bhajan Lal Sharma (Rajasthan), Bhupendra Patel (Gujarat) and Mohan Yadav (Madhya Pradesh), Rawat said Waqf properties in tribal regions are hindering the cultural and developmental rights of the indigenous populations.
Rawat’s concerns focus on the presence of dargahs, madrasas and kabristans (graveyards) in the tribal districts of Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara and Pratapgarh, which, he claimed, affect the traditional culture and demographic composition of these areas.
“The govt should issue a notification calling the Waqf Act, 1995, null and void,” said the MP in the letter, arguing that these properties, governed under the Waqf Act, are “diluting the indigenous culture and threatening the traditional way of life” in the region.
Rawat pointed out that these tribal areas fall under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution, which grants special protection to indigenous communities and allows them to safeguard their land and cultural heritage. He said he believes the “growing influence of these Waqf-registered properties disrupts the essence of tribal customs and traditions”.
In the letter, Rawat also raised concerns over Waqf Board’s activities in registering properties in these regions, claiming they are taking undue advantage of the Act. “The construction of various infrastructure projects on registered lands is incompatible with the tribal lifestyle and culture. Its impact on the demography is quite visible, which is a matter of concern,” said the MP.
Rawat also said the application of the Waqf Act has been causing difficulties in the implementation of the PESA Act, 1996, and threatening the tribals’ rights, particularly over agricultural land. The MP urged the Governors to act within their constitutional powers under the Fifth Schedule. He said his demand for such intervention is unprecedented but necessary to safeguard tribals’ interests.
Speaking to TOI, Rawat said, “Tribal land is governed by the President and is protected for the indigenous people. Over the years, various activities have caused discord between the communities. The action of deregistering Waqf properties would help tribals claim their land and revive their cultural practices, which have been diluted due to interference.”