Waqf Act is set to undergo significant changes as the government introduces the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha today. The bill, presented by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, aims to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.
The bill proposes amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995, including renaming it as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. It seeks to clearly define “waqf” and ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not infringe upon women’s inheritance rights.
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The bill proposes changes to the composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims. It also aims to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database, and reform the Tribunal structure.
The Samajwadi Party has announced its opposition to the Waqf Bill, while the government plans to withdraw the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants), Bill, 2014.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha, while the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, is also to be introduced by Rijiju.
