In a surprising move, the Karnataka state government has issued notifications designating numerous public properties, including farmlands, historical buildings, educational institutions, and private hospitals, as belonging to the Waqf Board. This announcement has stirred significant concern across the state, according to Chairperson of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill Jagdambika Pal.
At a press conference held at Belagavi Airport on Thursday, Jagdambika Paul revealed that in just the past two months, about 38 percent of public properties across Hubli, Bidar, Belagavi, and Vijaypur have been marked as Waqf Board assets. Among these properties is the historic Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s school, sparking strong reactions from locals. Protests have erupted, particularly among farmers in Vijaypur, who have taken to the streets in opposition to the decision.
Paul assured that efforts are underway to safeguard farmers’ lands and public properties by closely examining the process through which these lands were registered under the Waqf Board. “This reclassification, especially of internationally recognized historic sites, could have a detrimental impact on Karnataka’s tourism industry,” Paul added.
He further mentioned that the state government has directed revenue department officials to conduct an inspection and consider releasing certain properties from this designation.