India, despite being the world’s 7th largest country by land area, possesses only 2.4% of the total land area, emphasizing the need for strategic land management. The Indian Government stands as the largest landowner, with the Government Land Information System (GLIS) indicating ownership of at least 15,531 square km of land.
In India, the intricacies of land ownership hold substantial sway over the economic landscape. Surprisingly, entities like the Catholic Church and Waqf have emerged as significant landowners, reshaping the dynamics of property possession. As of 2017, this religious institution, with its extensive network as trusts and charitable societies, stands as the second and third largest non-agricultural landowner in the country, trailing only behind the Government of India.
Recent land conflicts in Nagaland spotlight the imperative need for transparent communication and collaboration between the Catholic Church and local communities to establish fair land management practices. Despite being a religious institution, the Catholic Church’s impact on landownership is substantial.
யாரிடம் அதிக நிலம்?#centralgovt #waqfcouncil pic.twitter.com/rS58zo8eqI
— சாணக்யா (@ChanakyaaTv) February 12, 2024
Church Properties: Unveiling The Catholic Church’s Extensive Land Portfolio
Christians constitute roughly 2.3% of India’s population (census 2011) Contrary to expectations of real estate magnates dominating land ownership, it is the Catholic Church of India that boasts an extensive property portfolio. Functioning as a conglomerate of various trusts and charitable societies to spread Christianity in India, the Catholic Church employs over 50,000 religious sisters, making it the largest non-governmental employer in the country. With an estimated value between 50,000 to 100,000 crore rupees, the Church’s vast land holdings, acquired through the Indian Churches Act of 1927, have been a subject of legal debates.
The Church’s influence extends beyond urban areas, impacting small villages where its religious institutions become central to local life. Historical roots, legal debates, challenges, and controversies surround the Catholic Church’s land ownership, prompting discussions on transparency and legal frameworks.
Waqf Properties: Exploring The Islamic Religious Trust’s Land Holdings
Meanwhile Muslims constitute roughly 14.2% of India’s population (census 2011), contribute significantly to the nation’s diverse religious landscape. Waqf boards, established under the Waqf Act, 1954, manage Islamic religious places and are free from state interference. These boards, with more than 610,000 immovable properties, own substantial land across various states, making them the third-largest landowner in India. The absence of a monetary estimate adds complexity to understanding the actual value of Waqf properties.
A joint parliamentary committee report in 2009 highlighted that Waqf properties, encompassing around 6 lakh acres, rank as the third-largest landowner in India after the Defence Department and Indian Railways. Recent concerns about misuse and a lack of estimates on the monetary value of these properties have prompted legal interventions.
The situation where state governments own the lands of Hindu temples in the name of secularism, while minorities can independently enjoy the benefits and become a land-owning class promoting their religion, resembles a system reminiscent of feudalism in medieval European countries. This scenario raises concerns and is viewed as alarming.
Why we say the situation is considered alarming? Lets recall a specific incident in Tamil Nadu, a farmer attempting to sell his land was surprised to find that the registration department refused the transaction, stating that the land did not belong to him. Upon inquiry, it was revealed that the Waqf board claimed ownership. Another instance that made the news was when Waqf board claimed ownership of the entire Tiruchendurai village in Tiruchirapalli.
The extensive land holdings by religious institutions and boards raise questions about transparency, legal legitimacy, and the potential impact on India’s future land requirements. As the country strives to accommodate its growing population, estimated to require 4 to 8 million hectares of land for residential use by 2030, navigating these complexities becomes paramount. Striking a balance between development, social equity, and environmental sustainability remains a challenge, necessitating strategic land governance and comprehensive regulatory measures.
(With Inputs From OpIndia)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.