MP becomes first state to appoint Hindus to Waqf Board:Two non-Muslim members inducted under amended law

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to appoint two non-Muslim (Hindu) members to its State Waqf Board following the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The state government has reconstituted the board by appointing Manoj Malpani from Indore and Animesh Bhargava from Raghogarh in Guna district as members. Sanwar Patel has been reappointed as the Chairman of the board. According to the state government, Madhya Pradesh is the first state in the country to constitute a Waqf Board under the provisions of the amended Act. The newly constituted board comprises 10 members. First non-Muslim appointments under the new law Under the Waqf Act, 1995, only members from the Muslim community could be appointed to State Waqf Boards. Although some members were nominated by the state government, they too had to be Muslims. Following amendments introduced through the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, every State Waqf Board is now required to include at least two non-Muslim members. The appointments of Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava mark the first implementation of this provision in any state. Najma Heptulla continues on the board Former Union Minister Najma Heptulla will continue as a member based on her existing tenure, which remains valid until April 2028. According to the notification published in the Madhya Pradesh Gazette (Extraordinary) on July 4, 2026, the state government constituted the board by exercising its powers under Section 13(1) of the Waqf Act. The amended law has also introduced a provision for two non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council. The government said the reconstituted board is expected to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance in the management of Waqf properties across the state. What is a Waqf? A Waqf is a property permanently donated by a Muslim individual or institution for religious, educational, or charitable purposes. Such properties may include mosques, graveyards, dargahs, Eidgahs, madrasas, charitable buildings, land, and other immovable assets. Role of the Waqf board The State Waqf Board is responsible for: