The Madhya Pradesh government has reconstituted the State Waqf Board under the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, appointing a 10-member panel that includes two Hindu representatives for the first time. Officials said the move makes Madhya Pradesh the first state in the country to constitute a Waqf Board with non-Muslim members following the recent changes in the law.

A gazette notification issued on Sunday announced the formation of the new board and appointed Sanwar Patel as its chairman. Manoj Malpani and Animesh Bhargava have been inducted as the two Hindu members on the board, while the remaining members represent different sections as provided under the amended legislation.

The reconstitution comes months after the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 came into force, introducing several changes to the governance and administration of Waqf properties across the country. One of the key provisions of the amended law allows the inclusion of non-Muslim members in State Waqf Boards, a departure from the earlier framework.

Officials said the Madhya Pradesh government has implemented the new legal provisions through the latest appointments. The board will oversee the management and administration of Waqf properties in the state, including matters related to their protection, maintenance and utilisation in accordance with the law.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav approved the reconstitution of the board, with the appointments being formalised through the official notification. The government has not indicated whether additional committees or administrative changes linked to the amended law will follow in the coming weeks.

The inclusion of Hindu members is expected to draw political and legal attention, as the Waqf (Amendment) Act has remained a subject of debate since its passage. Supporters of the legislation have argued that the changes are aimed at improving transparency, accountability and institutional oversight in the administration of Waqf properties. Critics, however, have raised concerns over some of the amendments and challenged aspects of the law in courts.

Despite the wider political debate, the Madhya Pradesh government's latest notification focuses on implementing the revised legal framework through the constitution of the new board.

The Waqf Board is a statutory body responsible for supervising properties dedicated for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law. It also oversees the registration, protection and management of Waqf assets and addresses issues related to their administration.

With Madhya Pradesh becoming the first state to constitute a board under the amended provisions, its implementation is likely to be closely watched by other states that are yet to reorganise their Waqf Boards under the new law.

Officials have not announced the schedule for the first meeting of the newly constituted board. Further administrative decisions are expected after the board assumes charge.