The wave of protests that swept across the country against the Waqf Amendment Act quickly subsided as people realized that those managing waqf properties were exploiting them for personal gain, leaving the rightful beneficiaries with no benefits. The Waqf Board was established to serve the public interest by protecting communal property, enhancing its assets, and creating welfare institutions such as schools, colleges, educational institutes, hospitals, and other charitable initiatives. However, these objectives were never realized, as political actors misused the board for their own interests.

The board was responsible for providing scholarships to children from impoverished families who faced financial barriers to education. It was also tasked with offering “marriage loans” to poor Muslim families to support their daughters’ weddings. Additionally, waqf assets were meant to be expanded to establish hospitals providing free treatment to the poor. None of these commitments were fulfilled.

In contrast, various religious communities in India successfully manage welfare institutions. For example, the Sikh community operates Khalsa institutions, and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Trust runs significant initiatives, including the Vaishno Devi University in Katra, hospitals, and other facilities. The Khalsa Panth Trust engages in extensive welfare activities, ensuring that no Sikh is seen begging by providing financial support to poor Sikh families, enabling them to live with dignity. Sikh charitable institutions also run hospitals that offer free medical care to people of all religions and provide free meals daily to those in need.

In stark contrast, the Muslim Waqf Board stands out as the only institution that has failed to undertake any welfare activities. It neither provides loans nor healthcare, nor has it launched scholarship programs for students. This failure stems from politicians exploiting the communal institution for personal gain.

In the Kashmir Valley, religious parties initially expressed outrage over the Waqf Amendment Bill, but the public remained largely silent. This is because the Waqf Board in Kashmir, like elsewhere, has done little for the community. Administrators, employees, and politicians have used the board’s resources for personal benefit, neglecting its intended purpose. The public’s lack of opposition to the amendment reflects a growing awareness that those managing the Waqf Board must be held accountable. People now understand that waqf properties should be used for the purposes for which they were dedicated, and the Waqf Amendment Act is seen as the only legislation capable of enforcing this accountability and ensuring responsible management.