Atif Rasheed Discusses Changes to Waqf Act and Criticizes Opposition
New Delhi [India], August 6: Atif Rasheed, the former Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, spoke about the government’s plans to amend the Waqf Act. He emphasized that these changes should not be viewed negatively and urged people to trust the government’s commitment to ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas’.
Rasheed explained that the Waqf Act, originally formed in 1954, has undergone several amendments over the years, including significant changes in 1995 and 2013. He noted that the current proposed amendments, which include around 32 changes, are aimed at improving the registration and monitoring of Waqf properties. One key amendment is the mandatory registration of Waqf properties with the District Collector’s office.
Rasheed also criticized opposition parties, including AAP and Congress, for not fielding Muslim candidates in the Waqf Board. He accused AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi of occupying lands in Old Hyderabad and claimed that various political parties have not been serious about addressing Muslim issues.
According to government sources, the Waqf amendment bill is expected to be presented after the passage of the Finance Bill. The government has consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organizations to ensure comprehensive reforms. The amendments also aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women’s representation on both the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards.
Doubts Revealed
Atif Rasheed -: Atif Rasheed is a person who used to be the Vice Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, which is a group that looks after the rights of minority communities in India.
Waqf Act -: The Waqf Act is a law in India that deals with properties and assets donated for religious or charitable purposes, especially in the Muslim community.
Opposition parties -: Opposition parties are political groups that are not currently in power and often challenge or question the actions of the ruling government.
AIMIM -: AIMIM stands for All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen, which is a political party in India that mainly represents the interests of the Muslim community.
Asaduddin Owaisi -: Asaduddin Owaisi is the leader of the AIMIM party and a well-known politician in India.
Waqf properties -: Waqf properties are lands or buildings that have been donated for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community.
Waqf councils -: Waqf councils are groups that manage and oversee Waqf properties to ensure they are used properly.
