New Delhi: The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, claimed media reports citing sources. Notably, the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the bill submitted its report on February 13. The cabinet reportedly accepted 14 recommendation by the JPC, reported NDTV. The bill is likely to be tabled in Parliament during the second half of the budget session starting from March 10.
As per India Today’s reports, the union cabinet gave its approval to the recommendations last week. Notably, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposed 44 changes to the existing Waqf law that governs Waqf Boards of the Centre and states.
The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024. It proposes significant changes to the governance and management of Waqf properties which are religious endowments by Muslims for the benefit of the community. The bill was then referred to the JPC headed by Jagdambika Pal.
Key Amendments Waqf Bill:
– One of the proposals, include nomination of non-Muslims and at least two women to Waqf Boards.
– Another proposed change was an officer above the rank of Collector, notified by the concerned state , will determine if a property is ‘waqf’.
– The State Waqf Boards will now have one member from the Muslim OBC community.
– The State Government can consider to establish separate Waqf Boards for Aghakhani and Bohra communities.
– Women’s inheritance rights will be safeguarded in Waqf Alal Aulad.
– The online registration process will be introduced to automate the details of waqf properties.
Muslim Organisations And Opposition’s Stand On New Bill:
The Opposition and Muslim organisations opposed the mandatory inclusion of non-Muslims on Waqf boards, which they said was an attempt to interfere with the community’s management of its religious properties. This move is perceived as a threat to diversity and a violation of fundamental rights, potentially undermining India’s commitment to justice.
The groups are of the opinion that the bill’s passage would lead to increased government control over Waqf properties, which could result in the misuse of these properties for political or personal gain.
The Waqf Act of 1995, enacted to regulate Waqf properties, has long been criticised for issues such as mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.
