Central government set to introduce major amendments to Waqf Act

New Delhi: The Modi government is reportedly preparing to introduce a Bill in Parliament proposing 40 amendments to the Waqf Act. The proposed amendments received the NDA-III government’s nod during a late evening meeting of the Union Cabinet on Friday.

Though no official statement has been released by the government yet, sources and two Delhi dailies have reported that the Bill could be presented in Parliament this week. The amendments aim to address longstanding issues surrounding the administration of waqf properties, which are among the country’s largest landholdings.

If the Bill is moved in Parliament, it would seek to establish stricter guidelines for the declaration and management of waqf lands, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

Key provisions of the likely Bill may include the appointment of independent auditors to review the administration of waqf properties and guidelines for waqf lands. Speculation also suggests the amendments may propose enhanced powers for the central government to intervene in cases of significant mismanagement or fraud.

Sources in the government suggest that this legislative move is designed to address concerns raised by various stakeholders about the effectiveness of current regulations. The bill is expected to spark a heated debate in Parliament, with supporters arguing that these reforms are necessary for better governance, while opponents view it as an infringement on religious autonomy.

Currently, 30 Waqf Boards operate across India’s 28 states and Union Territories, following the enactment of the Waqf Act, 1995, which was designed to streamline “Auqaf” (property owned by Waqf Boards). The Bill may propose fresh verification of boards’ assets. In 2023, the Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to carry out a physical verification of 123 properties owned by the Delhi Waqf Board in the national capital. Additionally, the Bill may propose ensuring a reservation for women in the Central and State Waqf Boards by mandating verification of land before it is declared waqf property.

This significant legislative move is poised to be a focal point in the upcoming parliamentary sessions, highlighting the ongoing debate between governance reform and religious autonomy.

It’s good for both -Waqf and ‘waqt’, says BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

BJP leader has endorsed the government’s proposed amendments to the Waqf Act of 1995, emphasizing their potential benefits for both the Waqf system and the broader community. “It’s good for both – Waqf and ‘waqt’,” Naqvi stated, reflecting his belief that the reforms are timely and necessary.

He says, “It’s needed to take out the Waqf system from the ‘touch me not’ thinking. Neither it’s good for the country nor for the community to impose a communal mentality over inclusive reform. It’s good for both -Waqf and ‘waqt’, to find a logical solution to a long pending problem… I don’t know what the actual proposal is from the govt but I believe that it’s needed…”

Will not tolerate any interference with legal status, powers of Waqf board: AIMPLB

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on August 4 asserted hat it will not tolerate reduction or restriction in the powers of waqf boards. In a press statement, the AIMPLB held that any change in the Waqf Act, 2013 which alters the nature of waqf properties or makes it easier for the government or any individual to usurp the same will not be acceptable.

Against freedom of religion: Asaduddin Owaisi

“These amendments are with the intention of taking away Waqf properties. The real reason for this act is to affect the freedom of religion. The Modi government wants to take away the autonomy of the Waqf board. This is against freedom of religion,” Asaduddin Owaisi said.

The AIMIM leader claimed that these amendments would eventually lead to administrative chaos and loss of autonomy of the Waqf board.

“Attempt to snatch the rights of Muslims”: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav on Monday said that Bhartiya Janata Party wants to “snatch the rights of Muslim Brothers” after reports of the government’s plans to amend the Waqf board Act came out.