Centre to Introduce Bills Amending Waqf Board Laws
New Delhi: On Thursday, the Centre will introduce two significant bills in Parliament aimed at amending the legislation governing Waqf Boards. The revised Lok Sabha schedule indicates that Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will present these bills.
The legislative agenda includes: “Kiren Rijiju to move for leave to introduce a Bill further to amend the Waqf Act, 1995. Also to introduce the Bill,” and “Kiren Rijiju to move for leave to introduce a Bill to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. Also to introduce the Bill.”
Before introducing these bills, Minister Rijiju will seek the withdrawal of a previously presented law, the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Bill, 2014, which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha during the tenure of the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government. The Upper House agenda notes, “Kiren Rijiju to move for leave to withdraw a Bill to provide for the eviction of unauthorized occupants from waqf properties and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”
The introduction of these bills comes amid concerns from Muslim organizations regarding the perceived curtailment of Waqf Board powers. The proposed amendments are designed to reform the Waqf Board by mandating the inclusion of two women members on its panel, implementing a central portal for Waqf property registration, and safeguarding the rights of the Bohra community.
Key changes include repealing Section 40 of the current Waqf Board Act, which grants the Board authority to declare properties as ‘Waqf properties’. The Waqf Act of 1923 will be repealed, and the Waqf Act of 1995 will undergo 44 amendments to enhance its effectiveness. The amendments aim to increase inclusivity within the Waqf Board by ensuring representation of women and various Muslim communities on both the Central Waqf Council and state boards. The legislation will also introduce a new title for the Act: Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995.
The proposed changes have received support from several Dargah chiefs, with a delegation from the All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council (AISSC) meeting with Kiren Rijiju to express their endorsement. The AISSC praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts towards the welfare of the Muslim community and minorities.
Currently, Waqf Boards oversee approximately 8.7 lakh properties, encompassing about 9.4 lakh acres of land.
