Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to reconstitute its Wakf Board under the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2025, with two Hindu members being included in the board for the first time. The change follows provisions in the amended law that permit non-Muslims to serve on state Wakf Boards.
The state government has reconstituted the 10-member Wakf Board, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav appointing Sanwar Patel as its chairman.
The newly formed board includes Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava as Hindu members, making Madhya Pradesh the first state to implement the amended provisions allowing non-Muslim representation. A gazette notification announcing the new board was issued on Sunday.
“Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to reorganise the Wakf Board under the new Act,” an official told PTI.
The state government exercised its powers under Section 13(1) of the Wakf Act, 1995, as amended in 2025, to constitute the board in accordance with Section 14 of the Act.
The Wakf Board is a statutory body responsible for administering and protecting Wakf properties. Its functions include maintaining records of Wakf assets, supervising their management and income, preventing encroachments, and ensuring that the properties are used for religious, educational and social welfare purposes.
Apart from chairman Sanwar Patel, the board comprises Najma Heptulla, Atif Aqueel, Faizan Khan, Fatema Choudhary, Shaista Sultan, Shabana Khan, Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava. The Commissioner of the Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department will serve as an ex-officio member.
According to the state government, Najma Heptulla, who was appointed under the elected category in April 2023, will continue to serve until April 18, 2028. Her membership has therefore been retained in the reconstituted board for the remainder of her tenure.
