The Union government announced on Tuesday that it will introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha on April 2, following the Question Hour.
This bill will then undergo a detailed and comprehensive discussion, expected to last up to eight hours.
Here’s an overview of the bill, its objectives, and the controversy surrounding it.
The government introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, alongside the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024.
The aim of these bills is to streamline the functioning of the Waqf Board and enhance the efficient management of Waqf properties across the nation.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, by addressing the current challenges in managing and regulating Waqf properties.
The objective is to improve the administration and oversight of these properties by introducing updates to the law, including the role of technology in Waqf record-keeping.
The proposed amendments aim to address several issues related to Waqf property management, such as:
The Central Government governs the administration of Waqf properties under the Waqf Act, 1995. The key administrative bodies are:
These bodies have played an important role in improving Waqf administration, but challenges remain, including legal disputes and mismanagement of properties.
The Waqf Act has faced several criticisms, including:
Before introducing the Waqf Amendment Bill, the Ministry of Minority Affairs consulted various stakeholders, including public representatives, media, and members of the Waqf community.
Also Read: Waqf Bill Sparks Political Storm In Parliament; Kiren Rijiju Leads The Debate
The Ministry held several meetings to address concerns such as the misuse of Waqf laws and the underutilization of Waqf properties.
The Waqf Amendment Bill proposes several key reforms aimed at improving the management of Waqf properties:
While the Bill is seen as a step toward improving Waqf property management, it has generated significant controversy.
One of the key issues is the Bill’s potential to impact non-Muslim properties.
Some non-Muslim groups have raised concerns over the misuse of Waqf laws, especially the declaration of non-Muslim properties as Waqf.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee that reviewed the Bill conducted study visits across multiple cities and held consultations with stakeholders, including representatives from the Sunni Waqf Board and other Muslim organizations, to ensure that the new legislation addresses these concerns.
One of the key objectives of the Waqf Amendment Bill is to enhance the socio-economic benefits derived from Waqf properties, especially for the underprivileged.
The Bill is expected to improve the management of Waqf assets and generate more revenue for welfare programs.
These programs include healthcare, education, and livelihood support, which will directly benefit the economically weaker sections of society.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 represents a significant shift in how Waqf properties are managed in India.
By addressing long-standing issues such as mismanagement, legal disputes, and the misuse of Waqf laws, the Bill aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and accountable system for the administration of Waqf properties.
While the Bill promises improvements, it will be critical to monitor its implementation to ensure that it benefits all stakeholders, including the poor and marginalized communities.
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