BJP Government to Introduce Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in Lok Sabha
The BJP-led government is set to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. This bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, addressing issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.
Key Details of the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 will be introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. The bill seeks to rename the Waqf Act, 1995 as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. It aims to clearly define ‘waqf’ and ensure that the creation of Waqf-alal-aulad does not deny inheritance rights to women.
The bill also proposes to:
- Omit provisions related to ‘waqf by user’
- Assign the functions of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or a nominated officer
- Provide a broad-based composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards
- Ensure representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims
Additional Bills and Withdrawals
In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Rijiju will introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923. The government will also withdraw the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014 from the Rajya Sabha.
Objectives and Reasons
The bill aims to establish separate Boards of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis, provide representation for various Muslim communities, streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal, and reform the Tribunal structure. It also seeks to provide for appeals against Tribunal orders to the High Court within ninety days.
According to sources, the Business Advisory Committee decided that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Opposition parties want the bill to be examined by the standing committee.
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party. It is one of the major political parties in India.
Waqf -: Waqf is a type of charitable trust in Islam where property or money is donated for religious or charitable purposes.
Amendment -: An amendment is a change or addition to a law or a legal document.
Lok Sabha -: Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament where laws are made and discussed.
Waqf Act, 1995 -: The Waqf Act, 1995 is a law in India that governs waqf properties and their management.
State Waqf Boards -: State Waqf Boards are organizations in each state of India that manage waqf properties.
Encroachments -: Encroachments are illegal occupations or intrusions on someone else’s property.
Minority Affairs Minister -: The Minority Affairs Minister is a government official responsible for the welfare of minority communities in India.
Kiren Rijiju -: Kiren Rijiju is an Indian politician and the current Minority Affairs Minister.
Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 -: This is a proposed law to cancel an old law related to Mussalman Wakf, which is another term for waqf.
Rajya Sabha -: Rajya Sabha is the upper house of India’s Parliament where laws are reviewed and approved.
Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014 -: This was a proposed law to remove people who are illegally staying on waqf properties.
