Kiren Rijiju Discusses Waqf (Amendment) Bill and Mafia Control Allegations
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju addressed the Lok Sabha, accusing the Opposition of misleading Muslims about the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Rijiju stated that Muslim delegations reported mafia control over Waqf Boards, necessitating amendments.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rijiju said, “They (Opposition) are misleading Muslims. Till last night, Muslim delegations came to me. Many MPs have told me that the mafia has taken over Waqf boards. Some MPs have said that they support the bill but can’t say it due to their political parties. I will not take anyone’s name so that their political career is not ruined.”
He emphasized that the government has held multi-layered country-wide consultations on this bill since 2015. Discussions included backward Muslims, Waqf Board chairmen from 19 states and UTs, and common Muslims. Meetings in Mumbai and Lucknow gathered suggestions for improving the State Waqf Board.
Rijiju mentioned that the bill is based on the Sachar Committee’s report, which called for reforms prioritizing women and children. He stressed the government’s responsibility to address any shortcomings in providing justice to poor women.
Rijiju clarified that MPs, regardless of religion, should be part of the Waqf Board. He added that the bill is now titled ‘United Waqf Act Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act’, 1995- ‘UMEED’.
He proposed forming a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further discussion on the bill.
Doubts Revealed
Kiren Rijiju -: Kiren Rijiju is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the Union Minister of Minority Affairs. He is responsible for looking after the welfare of minority communities in India.
Waqf (Amendment) Bill -: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is a proposed change to the laws governing Waqf properties, which are properties donated for religious or charitable purposes in Islam. The amendment aims to improve the management of these properties.
Lok Sabha -: The Lok Sabha is the lower house of India’s Parliament, where elected representatives discuss and pass laws. It is similar to the House of Commons in the UK or the House of Representatives in the USA.
Opposition -: In politics, the Opposition refers to the political parties that are not in power. They often challenge and question the decisions made by the ruling party.
Muslim delegations -: Muslim delegations are groups of Muslim community leaders or representatives who meet with government officials to discuss issues affecting their community.
Mafia control -: Mafia control refers to illegal groups or individuals who use their power to control and exploit organizations or properties for their own benefit. In this context, it means that some Waqf Boards are allegedly being controlled by such groups.
Waqf Boards -: Waqf Boards are organizations that manage Waqf properties. They ensure that the properties are used for the purposes they were donated for, like building schools or mosques.
Sachar Committee -: The Sachar Committee was a group set up by the Indian government in 2005 to study the social, economic, and educational status of Muslims in India. They made recommendations to improve the conditions of Muslims.
Joint Parliamentary Committee -: A Joint Parliamentary Committee is a group of members from both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) who come together to discuss and examine specific issues or bills in detail.
UMEED -: UMEED is the new name proposed for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. It stands for ‘Upliftment and Management of Endowments for Empowerment and Development’ and aims to improve the management of Waqf properties.
