Waqf through the ages: How Rs 1-lakh crore property owner board acquires land and what the govt aims to change

The Waqf Board is reportedly the third-largest landholder in India, following the Railways and the Defence Department. Waqf boards control 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres across India, with an estimated value of Rs 1.2 lakh crore. There are 32 waqf boards, including two Shia waqf boards in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Control of the state Waqf boards lies in the hands of about 200 individuals.