After 12 hours of uproar, the Waqf Amendment Bill has finally passed in the Lok Sabha.
By: Arvind Jadhav
New Delhi: The Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, has been passed in the Lok Sabha with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, after a marathon debate that lasted over 12 hours. This Bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to improve the management and efficiency of Waqf boards and properties.
Key Provisions of the Bill
Renaming the Act: The Bill proposes to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act.
Eligibility to Declare Waqf : Only a person practicing Islam for at least five years may declare a Waqf, and the person must own the property being declared.
Composition of the Central Waqf Council: The Bill provides that two members of the Council must be non-Muslims, and members of Parliament, former judges, and eminent persons appointed to the Council need not be Muslims.
Audit of Waqf Accounts : The Bill empowers the Central government to get the accounts of Waqfs audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) or a designated officer.
Reactions to the Bill’s Passage
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the Bill does not infringe on the religious rights of Muslims, while opposition members argued that it violates the right of Muslims to manage their religious affairs. The Bill has received support from several BJP allies, including Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)], Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) [LJP(RV)], Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Shiv Sena.
Update on the Debate
The debate on the Bill lasted for over 12 hours, with intense discussions and criticisms from the opposition. Union minister Kiren Rijiju tabled the Bill in the Lok Sabha, stating that it deals only with properties and has nothing to do with religion. The opposition argued that the Bill undermines constitutional values and violates the right of Muslims to manage their religious affairs.
Key Highlights from Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Statement
No Interference in Religious Activities: Union Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the government does not intend to interfere in the religious activities of Muslim brothers or the trusts associated with their donations, including Waqf.
Protection of Waqf Properties: the Bill aims to protect Waqf properties from being misused or sold. Shah mentioned that between 2013 and 2025, 21 lakh acres of land were added to the Waqf Board, but many properties were sold or leased without proper authorization.
Transparency and Accountability : The Bill proposes to establish a transparent audit system for Waqf properties. Shah emphasized that the government wants to ensure that Waqf properties are being used for the welfare of the Muslim community, rather than being misused by individuals.
Overall, the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024, aims to improve the management and efficiency of Waqf boards and properties, while also ensuring transparency and accountability in their functioning.
