UMEED Act Controversy: TMML Accuses Self-Interested Individuals of Hindrance, Urges Justice Enforcement
Title: Hot Take: The UMEED Act: A Silver Lining Amidst Controversy
The UMEED Act, introduced in 2025, has sparked heated debates across India. While some cheer it on, others vehemently oppose it. One of the strongest supporters of the Act is the Tamil Maanila Muslim League (TMML), a progressive Islamic organization in Tamil Nadu.
According to TMML's Chief Ameerul Millat S. Sheikh Dawood, the Act is a game-changer for India's 200 million Muslims and marginalized communities. Estimated to be worth over Rs 9 lakh crore, Waqf properties could revolutionize education, healthcare, and social welfare. However, decades of mismanagement have left these properties largely untapped. The TMML says UMEED is here to change that.
TMML stands firm against those blocking UMEED's implementation. "We're not backing down. We'll expose these outdated practices and ensure justice prevails," declared Dawood.
But why are some political actors against UMEED?
Dawood alleges that these critics are merely protecting their personal interests. State Waqf boards, often controlled by influential politicians, have been accused of embezzling funds meant for the underprivileged. UMEED's transparency poses a significant threat to these boards, according to reports. Their calls for religious autonomy, Dawood argues, are merely a disguise for corruption.
UMEED upholds this Islamic principle in ensuring that Waqf serves society, not the corruption-riddled few. Here's a sneak peek at UMEED's key features:
- Transparency: Digitized records and audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General will ensure accountability.
- Inclusivity: Representation for women, non-Muslims, and diverse sects on Waqf boards will promote fairness and equity.
- Justice: Fast-track dispute resolution in district courts and rigorous fraud prevention measures will protect the rights of the vulnerable.
- Empowerment: Priority will be given to widows, orphans, and divorced women, who are disproportionately affected by poverty.
The TMML leader sheds light on three common misconceptions about UMEED:
- Fearmongering Over Non-Muslims: Some argue that non-Muslim representation on Waqf boards is a violation of religious autonomy. However, this misunderstands the law. The Supreme Court's Shirur Mutt ruling allows state oversight over secular aspects of religious institutions. This is precisely what UMEED aims to address.
- Distorting 'Waqf by User' Changes: UMEED eliminates "Waqf by user" for new endowments to combat fraud. Critics allege this threatens historic sites. This is a distortion-UMEED only affects new properties and leaves existing ones untouched.
- Hiding Behind Federalism: Detractors argue that UMEED violates federal principles. This is a diversionary tactic. With 8.7 lakh properties nationwide, Waqf requires national oversight-something that state failures have shown is crucial.
The Supreme Court is currently examining the constitutionality of the UMEED Act. TMML remains optimistic that the court will see beyond political maneuvering and recognize the Act's potential to combat corruption and uplift India's disadvantaged communities.
The reality of the situation, however, can be seen in two recent instances:
- Vellore, April 2025: 150 families, predominantly Muslim, faced eviction threats, despite valid titles. UMEED's emphasis on transparency could prevent such injustices.
- Thiruchendurai, September 2022: The Waqf Board claimed 480 acres, including a Hindu temple, sparking unrest. UMEED's removal of Section 40 ensures fair investigations.
Critics have been quick to exploit these fears but ignore the victims they claim to protect. TMML calls for a shift from obstruction to accountability, asking opponents to reconsider their stance and embrace the change that UMEED promises.
- Amid the controversy surrounding the UMEED Act, TMML champions that the policy-and-legislation will fortify the health and general-news sectors of marginalized communities through increased funding via Waqf properties.
- The TMML insists that opponents of the UMEED Act, such as influential politicians controlling State Waqf boards, are using religious autonomy as a disguise for political interests and are obstructing progress for the benefit of the disadvantaged, while potentially engaging in corruption and embezzlement.
