Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Discusses Waqf Board Act Amendments Amid Opposition Concerns
New Delhi, August 8: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the central government is not targeting anyone with the proposed amendments to the Waqf Board Act. He mentioned that the opposition parties are trying to create an atmosphere of misinformation.
Introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to address issues related to the powers of the State Waqf Boards, registration and survey of waqf properties, and removal of encroachments.
Opposition’s Response
Congress MP KC Venugopal opposed the bill, calling it an attack on the federal system. DMK MP Kanimozhi and JMM MP Mahua Maji also expressed concerns, stating that the bill targets a particular religious group. RJD MP Misa Bharti and TMC MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay echoed similar sentiments, with Bandyopadhyay suggesting the bill should go through the Standing Committee.
Support from BJP Leaders
BJP leaders supported the amendments. Former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the bill aims to address harassment related to the Waqf Board system. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed the bill was a longstanding demand of the Muslim community.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks 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 proposes a broad-based composition of the Central Waqf Council and the State Waqf Boards, ensuring representation of Muslim women and non-Muslims.
Additionally, the bill seeks to streamline the registration of waqfs through a central portal and database, reform the Tribunal structure, and provide for appeals against Tribunal orders to the High Court within ninety days.
Doubts Revealed
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a person who is in charge of a specific department in the central government of India. They help make important decisions for the country.
Pralhad Joshi -: Pralhad Joshi is an Indian politician who is currently serving as a Union Minister. He is responsible for various government duties and decisions.
Waqf Board Act -: The Waqf Board Act is a law in India that deals with properties and assets donated for religious or charitable purposes, mainly by Muslims. It helps manage these properties properly.
Amendments -: Amendments are changes or additions made to a law. They are done to improve or update the law to make it better.
Opposition -: Opposition refers to the political parties and leaders who are not in power. They often question and challenge the decisions made by the ruling government.
Waqf -: Waqf is a practice in Islam where a person donates property or money for religious or charitable purposes. The donated property is managed by a Waqf Board.
Bill -: A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. It needs to be discussed and approved by the government before it becomes a law.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister -: The Parliamentary Affairs Minister is a government official who manages the activities and business of the parliament. They help in organizing discussions and passing laws.
Kiren Rijiju -: Kiren Rijiju is an Indian politician who is currently serving as the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. He helps in managing the work of the parliament.
State Waqf Boards -: State Waqf Boards are organizations in different states of India that manage waqf properties. They ensure that the properties are used for the intended religious or charitable purposes.
Registration and survey -: Registration and survey refer to the process of officially recording and examining waqf properties. This helps in keeping track of all the properties and their proper use.
Encroachments -: Encroachments are situations where someone illegally takes over or uses a property that does not belong to them. The law aims to remove such illegal use of waqf properties.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is one of the major political parties in India. It is currently the ruling party in the central government.