Waqf Act Amendment Bill: The historic Waqf Act Amendment Bill was introduced by the Modi government in the Lok Sabha today amid political turmoil and controversy. This bill’s introduction has generated a great deal of political debate; responses have ranged from harsh condemnation from the opposition to applause from the government, which claims the bill will help the poor.
Government’s Perspective on the Waqf Act Amendment Bill
According to the central government, millions of poor Muslims would get their rights if the bill is passed and the new law is put into effect. The government claims that the measure will improve efficiency and transparency in the management and administration of Waqf properties.
Reactions from Muslim Organizations on Waqf Act Amendment Bill
In the nation’s political discourse, the Waqf Act Amendment Bill (Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024) has taken centre stage. Several Muslim organisations have expressed their worries after it was introduced in the Lok Sabha.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board
Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli, a member of the board, stated, “The legal experts say that the amendments being brought will cause loss to the Waqf properties…For some time now, a wrong perspective has been made regarding Waqf. The existing Waqe Act has more than enough laws which define the legal process to record a property under Waqf property….”
Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas
The spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board also criticised the amendments. He stated that any changes that alter the status or nature of Waqf properties or make it easier for the government or individuals to seize them will not be accepted.
Mohsin Raza
The former Minister of Muslim Waqf and Haj in Uttar Pradesh, Mohsin Raza while talking to ANI said, “Congress governments through many amendments gave so many powers to Waqf boards that it converted them into Waqf mafia or land mafia. So much power was given to Waqf boards that they took over any land. These powers given to Waqf boards were misused, troubled the public, and Muslims had nothing to do with it…Waqf boards in Saudi Arabia and Oman also do not have so many powers. The country has demanded to bring amendment in Waqf Act. Those who oppose this amendment are the ones who grabbed properties under Waqf board…Waqf boards will have to clarify how they got so many properties.”
Key Changes Proposed in the Amendment
The central government’s Waqf Act Amendment Bill (Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024) proposes several significant changes:
- Modifications to Existing Laws: The bill suggests amendments to the Muslim Waqf Act of 1995 and the complete repeal of the Muslim Waqf Act of 1923.
- New Legislation: The revised bill is named the ‘Integrated Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 1995’. This new legislation aims to improve the management and administration of Waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and operational efficiency.
The government believes these adjustments will help Waqf properties be managed more successfully and resolve long-standing problems with their administration.
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