As the central government reviews the Waqf law, the Jain community demands the creation of a ‘Jain Development Board’ in states with significant Jain populations. The Vishwa Jain Sangathan seeks this board to oversee Jain religious matters and safeguard Jain monuments.
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MUMBAI: As the central government moves forward with proposed changes to the Waqf law, which governs Muslim religious endowments, the Jain community is advocating for the establishment of a statutory board known as the ‘Jain Development Board’ or ‘Jain Kalyan Board’ in states with significant Jain populations. The Vishwa Jain Sangathan, a prominent organization representing the community, has made this demand, emphasizing the need for such a board to advise the government on matters related to Jain religion and to protect Jain religious monuments from encroachment and destruction.
Sanjay Jain, president of the Vishwa Jain Sangathan, voiced the community’s concerns, highlighting the ancient and significant nature of Jain monuments across various states.
“Ancient Jain monuments in Gujarat, Orissa, Jharkhand, and other states are facing severe encroachments. Given that the Jain religion is nearly 2,500 years old, these monuments are equally ancient and are managed by government archaeological departments. We have no involvement or role in their maintenance or protection.”
-he stated.
This situation underscores the necessity of a dedicated statutory body that can identify, document, and secure Jain religious sites.
The Role of the Jain Development Board
Unlike the Waqf Boards, which have absolute control over Muslim religious institutions, the proposed Jain Development Board would not seek jurisdiction over Jain religious properties. Instead, it would serve as an advisory body, offering expertise and guidance to the government on matters concerning the Jain faith. This distinction is crucial as the Jain community seeks to protect its heritage while maintaining the autonomy of its religious institutions.
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The demand for a Jain Development Board is rooted in the community’s recognition as a distinct national minority, which was officially acknowledged in 2014. Despite this recognition, Jain representation in minority commissions at the state level remains minimal. For instance, Gujarat, which has a significant Jain population, does not have a minority commission, and the few states that do have minority commissions often lack Jain members.
Recent Developments in Jain Minority Welfare
While some progress has been made in recognizing Jain welfare at the state level, such efforts have often been short-lived or incomplete. In April 2023, the Andhra Pradesh government announced the formation of a ‘Jain Welfare Corporation,’ and the Rajasthan government declared the appointment of five members to a new ‘Rajasthan Rajya Shraman Sanskriti Board’ for the Jains. However, the Rajasthan board was not constituted following a change in government, highlighting the inconsistent attention to Jain minority welfare across the country.
Chandrashekhar Azad, president of the Azad Samaj Party and Member of Parliament from Nagina, Uttar Pradesh, raised the issue of a Jain board in response to the proposed amendments to the Wakf law.
“Why isn’t the government establishing Jain Minority Boards? The sites of their tirthankaras are under threat from encroachment.”
-he questioned, echoing the concerns of the Jain community.
The Need for Government Support
The Vishwa Jain Sangathan believes that a statutory Jain Development Board could play a crucial role in preserving and protecting Jain heritage. By collaborating with the government, this body could help prevent the encroachment and neglect of ancient Jain monuments, which are integral to the religion’s history and cultural identity.
The recent legal disputes over the shrines in Girnar, Gujarat, associated with Lord Neminath, the 22nd tirthankara, underscore the urgency of this demand. The Jain community fears that without proper representation and protection, their religious sites may continue to face threats from encroachment.
