Kiren Rijiju Proposes New Bill for Better Waqf Property Management
New Delhi [India], August 5: Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, announced plans to introduce a new bill aimed at improving the management of Waqf properties. Rijiju stated that there have been persistent demands from poor and ordinary Muslim women for more transparent and efficient management of these properties.
Top government sources revealed that the bill is likely to be presented after the passage of the Finance Bill, expected this week. Before drafting the amendments, the government consulted various Muslim intellectuals and organizations to ensure comprehensive reforms.
One of the key proposed amendments is the mandatory registration of Waqf properties with the District Collector’s office, allowing for proper evaluation and monitoring. Additionally, the amendments aim to enhance inclusivity by ensuring women’s representation on both the Central Waqf Council and state Waqf boards.
The Waqf Act, first enacted in 1954, was repealed and replaced with a new act in 1995, granting more powers to the Waqf Boards. Further amendments in 2013 expanded these powers, enabling the boards to designate properties as ‘Waqf Property.’
Government sources emphasized the importance of involving more women, including Muslim scholars and elected representatives, in the Waqf boards to ensure a broader and more inclusive representation. The introduction of this bill is seen as a significant step towards reforming Waqf property management and addressing the concerns of the Muslim community, particularly women.
Doubts Revealed
Kiren Rijiju -: Kiren Rijiju is a politician in India who works for the government. He is responsible for managing the country’s parliamentary affairs and looking after the interests of minority communities.
Waqf Property -: Waqf property refers to land or buildings given for religious or charitable purposes in Islam. These properties are used to help the community, like building schools or hospitals.
Bill -: A bill is a proposal for a new law. It needs to be discussed and approved by the government before it becomes an official law.
Transparency -: Transparency means being open and clear about what is happening. It helps people trust that things are being done fairly.
Efficiency -: Efficiency means doing things in the best way possible without wasting time or resources. It helps get things done quickly and well.
Mandatory Registration -: Mandatory registration means that it is required by law to officially record something. In this case, it means all Waqf properties must be officially listed.
Women’s Representation -: Women’s representation means having women included in decision-making groups. It ensures that women’s voices and opinions are heard.
Waqf Boards -: Waqf boards are groups of people who manage Waqf properties. They make decisions about how to use the properties for the community’s benefit.
Finance Bill -: The Finance Bill is a proposal related to the country’s budget and financial matters. It needs to be approved by the government to manage the country’s money.