Mr.S.Hyder Ali>Muslims had enjoyed reservations for many years. In 1951, under the new constitution that came into being after India became independent, reservation based on religious basis was stopped. After that, many Muslim organisations made efforts to bring back reservations for the community. It didn't happen.

TMMK's effort started in 1995. Through various agitations, we had highlighted the need for reservations for the community. Before the elections to Tamil Nadu State Assembly in May 2006, we put to DMK party two demands: On reservations and on Kovai Blasts Case. DMK promised to look into them (when they come to power). Only after that, we declared our support to them. Other political parties also (Congress, PMK, Communists etc) included reservation for Muslims in their election manifestoes.

After DMK came into power, they started implementing their election promises - one after other. We kept pressing on the demand for reservations to the DMK government time and again. In August this year, at our General Body meeting, we gave a deadline of December 31, 2007 for the government to announce reservation for Muslims. On September 2nd, Chief Minister Kalaignar Karunanidhi held discussion with legal experts. On September 13th, an ordinance was promulgated providing for 3.5% reservation for Muslims (covering 6 Muslim communities, benefiting about 95% of the Muslims) and 3.5% reservation for Christians (covering 6 Christian communities) - in educational institutions and government jobs. The Ordinance came into effect on former CM Annadurai's birthday (September 15th).

The announcement is based on the recommendation of a commission headed by Justice Janardhanam. This is a first step. We are happy and sincerely thank the Chief Minister.

One thing to note here is that it doesn't exclude the so-called creamy layer (like it does in Karnataka and Kerala).

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>Way back in the 1990s, many of us (even in TMMK too) were not aware of the importance of reservations. It was Mr.Kunakudi Hanifa who explained to us the importance of reservations. He explained to us how reservations have benefited the Vanniyar community (reservation for MBCs). It was only then we began to appreciate the importance of reservations for Muslims. After that, it was only a matter of creating awareness among the public.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>It was always a legal issue. Since the case was over and only judgments were pending, we wanted the government to help in the release of the prisoners on bail. Government did this, ending their opposition to bail applications. Now all are out on bail (156 have been declared culprits, but the charges are not fully disclosed by the Judge yet).

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>It was only after I assumed office - I fully began to understand how a government body works, how difficult it is to bring about changes.

It is also only after I assumed office I realised the actual size of the properties held by various Wakf bodies. It is huge, much bigger than I had originally thought. Most of these properties are lying useless and have been left useless for many years.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>First of all, I do not take that (being called a Wahabi) as a criticism. I am proud of that (label)! I want to state this categorically.

Secondly, you must remember, the Chairman cannot interfere with the mode of worship in a place. Wakf's role is to monitor Wakf properties.

The burial ground in question in Vyasarpadi (in Chennai) is controlled by 11 Jamaths. It is common for all of them. No individual can do anything (without the consent of all the 11 Jamaths). Since Wakf Board received information that a handful of people were constructing some structures illegally, we took action. We are confident a government report - to be released shortly - will clarify the picture for everyone. The accusations against me on this matter are political and motivated by certain people. They tried to create a drama and they have been exposed.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>It is not correct. However Wakf Board cannot directly interfere with that. It is up to the affected people to take remedial measures (approaching the proper authorities etc).

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>We have been aware for quite some time that there are some serious problems in the functioning of the Wakf Board. Knowledge comes mainly from our experience in the field.

Many with problems concerning their Wakf institutions had approached TMMK. We were aware some Muthavallis are treating Wakf properties as their personal properties. Also many Wakf properties are lying idle and were being under-utilised. For example, in Pollachi, a Wakf institute has 95 acres of land (worth about Rs.20 crores) - generating an annual income of Rs.45,000/- only.

Wakf inspectors are also satisfied just to collect the fee (whatever was disclosed) and take no more actions.

In short, Wakf Board required changes. That is why we were keen on the post.

In the short period, I have managed to initiate important processes (though no serious action has yet been taken). I am still in the learning stage!

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>6150 is an old number. In fact I asked the board officials whether this is an up-to-date figure. They say it was estimated sometime around 1995! Such is the state of affairs!! I have directed the officials to properly estimate the current total (number of Wakf bodies).

There are several cases pending before the Wakf board. Some of it could have been settled amicably - even before they reach the stage where a case was needed to be filed! After I came to office (whenever we are in sitting), we are handling about 25 cases per day! We sit in two sessions now - sometime the meetings extend beyond 10 in the night!

Encroachment is another major problem.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>It is a very serious problem. There are currently over 1000 cases filed against encroachments. About 38 of them are being dealt by Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs). Some cases (about 23) are pending before Tribunals. We have discussed expediting this (tribunal cases) with the concerned officer (Ms. Malathy, IAS). Strangely, there are also cases of encroachments by various government departments!

We have warned the encroachers to vacate the properties (they are encroaching). As an alternative, we have also told them they could start paying the due rent. If they fail to do either of the two, once the case is filed and is settled (in favour of Wakf Board), we will not enter into any compromise (with the encroachers)!

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>There are many Wakfs that do not report (or do not have) any income at all! Only about 600 Wakf bodies report an annual income of over Rs.1 lakh!

The practice of maintaining two-accounts (one submitted to the board, another unofficial) is there in many places. One Wakf body in fact admitted that during a case in Coimbatore. People must remember Wakf property is Allah's property!

However, we must also not forget there are many Wakf bodies - like those in Melvisharam - which are doing tremendous work to the society (with the Wakf properties).

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>First of all, of the 7%, 1% goes to Central Wakf Board. Secondly, people shouldn't think they are paying the government. Since the income generated through fee is not sufficient to manage Board's affairs, Government actually gives annual subsidy to Wakf Board. In fact, Wakf Board is dependent on Government for the fund. Wakf Board exists only to protect the Wakf properties, not for any other purpose.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>It is true, we are under-staffed. We have been trying to increase the staff strength. We have approached Employment Exchange - to give us a list of potential candidates.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>It is an interesting analogy. Staff strength is a serious problem.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>That is not possible. Time of expiry of terms differs from one Wakf body to another. We have taken some initiatives on this. We are right now preparing a procedure to properly conduct elections. Until now, it hasn't been laid down clearly at all. Recently elections to Adyar Mosque were conducted in a strict manner. Identity cards were issued. No external person was allowed during voting. The entire process was video-graphed.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>We have taken steps on this matter. We have directed all the Wakf bodies to display in a prominent place - list of properties owned by the respective Wakfs. We know some have complied with this order (and displayed their list of properties). Others have not (we will take action against them).

We are also in the process of computerising all of the information - including the list of properties, account details, when was the account last submitted, when was the last election held etc. This information would be made available - if not fully, but substantially - in the Wakf Board Website - around January 2008. Information would be available in Tamil as well as English.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>Not really, I am happy infact! The attacks have been on me personally - on my ideological beliefs, not on the work I am doing, not on the steps I have taken. It is those affected by my actions on illegal encroachments (of Wakf properties) who are behind this.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>People can meet me easily and inform me about any problems. Even the staff are free to meet me - whether junior or senior staff. I am not looking for false respect, but I have instilled fear in them.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>I am not here just hoping to complete five years in office. There is a lot that needs to be done. The system is rotten to the core. We have started the change. I cannot tell how long it will take, but we have started it. It will take long time for everything to change.

Mr.S.Hyder Ali>Work is still going on (by the government agencies). The building hasn't been handed over to us (Wakf Board) yet. However - we expect to move to our new office - fully furnished or not - after Ramadhan.