Haj Association of India Welcomes Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
New Delhi, August 8: The Haj Association of India has expressed support for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha. Chairman A Aboobucker praised the bill as a significant step by the government, highlighting its potential benefits for women’s empowerment and aiding the poor.
Aboobucker stated, “On behalf of the Haj Association of India, New Delhi, we welcome this amendment as this Act is quite old. As per the current scenario, some amendments need to be made. Govt of India has taken a big initiative and we welcome that, there is no doubt.” He also criticized those opposing the bill, emphasizing its positive impact on women’s empowerment and support for the poor.
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to rename the Waqf Act, 1995, to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill, which seeks to address issues related to the powers of State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.
Rijiju assured that the bill does not interfere with the freedom of any religious body and aims to grant rights to those who have been deprived. He mentioned that the bill is based on the Sachar committee’s recommendations for reform.
However, opposition parties strongly opposed the bill. Congress MP KC Venugopal called it an “attack on the federal system,” while NCP MP Supriya Sule urged the government to withdraw the bill or send it to a standing committee. RSP MP NK Premachandran warned that the law might be struck down under judicial scrutiny, and DMK MP Kanimozhi claimed it violates Article 30, which protects minority rights. Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav and AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi also voiced their opposition, citing constitutional concerns.
Earlier this week, the All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council (AISSC) supported the proposed amendments and called for cooperation with the government. AISSC Chairman Syed Naseruddin Chishty emphasized the need for transparency in Waqf Boards and urged political parties to avoid politicizing the issue.
Doubts Revealed
Haj Association of India -: The Haj Association of India is a group that helps people in India who want to go on the Haj pilgrimage, which is a special trip to a holy place in Saudi Arabia for Muslims.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 -: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 is a new set of rules being discussed in the Indian Parliament to change how Waqf properties, which are lands or buildings given for religious or charitable purposes, are managed.
Lok Sabha -: The Lok Sabha is one of the two houses of the Parliament of India where laws are made. It is like a big meeting place where elected leaders discuss and decide on new rules for the country.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju -: Kiren Rijiju is a leader in the Indian government who is responsible for certain important tasks. A Union Minister is like a top manager in the government.
women’s empowerment -: Women’s empowerment means giving women more power and opportunities to make their own choices and be equal to men in society.
federalism -: Federalism is a way of governing a country where power is shared between a central government and smaller regional governments, like states in India.
minority rights -: Minority rights are special protections and freedoms given to smaller groups of people in a country to make sure they are treated fairly and equally.
All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council -: The All India Sufi Sajjadanshin Council is a group of leaders from the Sufi community in India, which is a spiritual branch of Islam. They work together to support their community and its traditions.