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, to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.
Key Details
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will present the bill in the Lok Sabha. The Samajwadi Party has announced its intention to oppose the bill in Parliament.
The government will also withdraw the Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014, which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in February 2014 during the Congress-led UPA government. This bill is listed for withdrawal from the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Additional Bills
In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Kiren Rijiju will introduce The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.
Provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 proposes 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 seeks to omit provisions related to ‘waqf by user’ and provide the functions of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or a nominated officer.
Furthermore, the bill proposes a broad-based composition of the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims. It also aims to establish a separate Board of Auqaf for Boharas and Aghakhanis and provide representation for Shia, Sunni, Bohra, Agakhani, and other backward classes among Muslim communities.
The bill seeks to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database, provide a detailed procedure for mutation as per revenue laws, and omit section 40 related to the powers of the Board to decide if a property is waqf property. It also proposes reforms to the Tribunal structure and provides for appeals against Tribunal orders to the High Court within ninety days.
Doubts Revealed
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which 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.
Lok Sabha -: Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament where laws are made and discussed.
Amendment -: An amendment is a change or addition to a law or a document.
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 Indian states 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.
Samajwadi Party -: The Samajwadi Party is another political party in India, often opposing the BJP.
Waqf Properties (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Bill, 2014 -: This was a proposed law to remove people who are illegally occupying waqf properties.
Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 -: This is a proposed law to cancel an old law related to waqf properties.
