‘Catholic church owns more land than Waqf Board’; Organiser pulls down article on Christian properties

Who has more land in India? The Catholic Church vs. Waqf Board debate

According to the Government Land Information website, as of February 2021, the Indian government owned approximately 15,531 square kilometers of land, which was distributed among 116 public sector companies and 51 ministries. While the Waqf Board does own significant land parcels across various states, it does not surpass the holdings of the catholic church in India.

For many years, there has been a common belief that the Waqf Board is the second- largest landowner in India after the government. However, this claim does not align with the actual data on land ownership in the country. The Catholic Church of India holds the distinction of being the largest non-governmental landowner, possessing vast tracts of land spread across the country.

Government and Church land loldings

According to the Government Land Information website, as of February 2021, the Indian government owned approximately 15,531 square kilometers of land, which was distributed among 116 public sector companies and 51 ministries. While the Waqf Board does own significant land parcels across various states, it does not surpass the holding of the Catholic church in India. Reports suggest that the Catholic Church of India owns around 7 crore hectares (17.29 crore acres) of land throughout the country. This land hosts numerous institutions, including churches, schools, colleges, and hospitals. The total estimated value of these properties is around Rs 20,000 crore, making the Church a significant player in India's real estate landscape.

 Historical context of Church Land ownership

The Catholic Church acquired much of its land during British rule. In 1927, the British administration passed the Indian Church Act, facilitating large-scale land grants to the Church. Many of these properties were used to establish missionary institutions, schools, and religious centers. These land grants continued until India's independence in 1947, leaving catholic church with a massive portfolio of real estate across the country. The land owned by the Catholic Church extends from Goa to the northeastern states, covering almost every region of India. The Church is governed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBSI) and ultimately led by Pope Francis, the head of the global catholic Church.

Educational and Healthcare institutions under the Church

The Catholic Church has holdings in the fields of education and healthcare in India. As of 2012, Church-run institutions included:

. 2,457 hospital dispensaries

. 240 medical or nursing colleges

. 28 general colleges

. 5 engineering colleges

. 3,765 secondary schools

. 7,319 primary schools

. 3,187 nursery schools

These institutions have contributed significantly to India's social development, particularly in remote and undeserved areas.

Legal disputes and controversies

Despite its vast holdings, the Catholic Church's land ownership has been the subject of legal scrutiny and public debate. A major point of contention is whether some of the land was obtained through questionable means. There have been frequent allegations that Church authorities acquired land by exerting undue influence, particularly during the colonial era.

In 1965, the Indian government issued a circular stating that any land granted on lease by the British government would no longer be recognised as Church property. However, due to lax enforcement of this directive, the legitimacy of certain Church-owned lands remains unresolved, leading to ongoing disputes. While the catholic church continues to maintain ownership of these vast lands, the question of land legitimacy is likely to persist as legal and administrative debates unfold.

Land Acquisition and Religious Conversions

Beyond education and healthcare, missionary institutions have often been accused of using these services as tools for religious conversion. Many reports suggest that Church-run schools and hospitals lure economically disadvantaged individuals by providing free or low-cost services and, in turn, pressure them to convert to Christianity. Several instances have emerged where landowners from tribal and rural communities were encouraged—or in some cases coerced - into converting to Christianity, after which their lands were taken over by Church-affliated organisations. This issue has been a matter of intense debate, with critics arguing that such activities exploit vulnerable populations under the guise of social welfare. While the Church denies these allegations, multiple cases of illegal land acquisitions linked to conversion activities have surfaced in various states, fueling concerns about the role of missionary institutions in India's socio-religious landscape.

Missionary organisations strategically establish educational and medical institutions in regions with economically weaker and tribal populations. These institutions, while initially appearing to offer free or subsidised services, often integrate religious teachings into their curricula and hospital environments, subtly influencing beneficiaries towards Christianity. Over time, many individuals, having received prolonged support from these institutions, find themselves pressured-either through social persuasion or economic dependency-to convert. Additionally, several cases have surfaced where tribal lands, once belonging to indigenous communities, were gradually transferred to Church authorities under various pretexts. This systematic approach has led to widespread concerns about cultural erosion and loss of traditional identities in many regions.

Written by: 

Shashank Kumar Dwivedi