proper protection of Wakf property was a difficult task in the past.
The issue of Wakf reforms has been a contentious issue ever since the government initiated steps for it.
The Wakf (Amendment) Bill was passed in Lok Sabha in May 2010. Earlier, a Joint Parliamentary Committee had made recommendations for computerisation of Wakf records, development of Wakf properties and proper administration. The Sachar Committee also made recommendations for changes in the system of management of Wakf institutions across the country.
In the amended bill, the lease period of Wakf properties is said to have been increased substantially.
In his address, the President also highlighted that in order to ensure the educational empowerment of minority communities, Government is implementing three scholarships, with 30 per cent of the funds in which each scheme earmarked for girl students.
"An amount of over Rs 880 crore has been disbursed as scholarships to more than 55 lakh students till December 31 last year. To encourage students belonging to minority communities to take up higher studies, Rs 66 crore has been released under the Maulana Azad National Fellowship Scheme," he said.
Under Prime Minister's new 15-point programme, the effort is to ensure that 15 per cent of the targets and outlays of the identified schemes benefit the minority communities, he added.
