Government Plans Changes to Waqf Act: New Rules for Waqf Board and Women’s Inclusion
The central government of India is considering making changes to the Waqf Act, which could limit the powers of the Waqf Board. Sources say that 32-40 amendments are being looked at. The Waqf Act, first passed in 1954, was updated in 1995 and again in 2013 to give more powers to the Waqf Boards.
One of the proposed changes would require the Waqf Board to register its properties with the District Collector’s office for evaluation. This aims to address concerns about revenue and corruption. A committee may also be set up to investigate revenue and ensure transparency.
Another significant change is the inclusion of women in the Central Waqf Council and state boards. Women will now have representation, and appeals against Waqf Board decisions can be made in the high court.
However, the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) opposes these changes, stating they will not accept any amendments that alter the status of Waqf properties or limit the rights of Waqf Boards. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also criticized the government, claiming it wants to take away the Waqf Board’s autonomy.
On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi supports the amendments, citing the need to curb corruption within the Waqf Board. She noted that the Waqf Board holds a significant amount of land and that there is a lot of corruption that needs to be addressed.
The government is expected to introduce these amendments during the current budget session, which ends on August 12.
Doubts Revealed
Waqf Act -: The Waqf Act is a law in India that deals with properties and assets donated for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community.
Waqf Board -: The Waqf Board is a group that manages and oversees properties and assets donated for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community.
District Collector -: A District Collector is a government official in charge of administration and revenue collection in a district.
Waqf Council -: The Waqf Council is a group that advises and helps the Waqf Board in managing properties and assets.
All-India Muslim Personal Law Board -: The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board is an organization that protects and promotes Muslim personal laws in India.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, a major political party in India.
Shazia Ilmi -: Shazia Ilmi is a spokesperson for the BJP and supports the changes to the Waqf Act to reduce corruption.
amendments -: Amendments are changes or additions made to a law or document.
budget session -: The budget session is a period when the Indian Parliament meets to discuss and pass the budget and other important laws.