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Cabinet Approves Amendments to Waqf Bill Amidst Opposition Concerns
The Union Cabinet has approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, incorporating 14 amendments proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). This decision, made on February 19, 2025, aims to streamline the management and registration of Waqf properties across India.
Key Amendments in the Waqf Bill
The approved amendments focus on enhancing transparency and inclusivity within Waqf boards. Notable changes include:
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Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members: State Waqf boards are now mandated to have at least two non-Muslim members, promoting diverse representation.
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Arbitration Mechanism: A government-appointed official will arbitrate disputes to determine the status of properties as Waqf or non-Waqf, aiming for impartial resolutions.
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Protection of Women’s Inheritance Rights: The bill ensures that Waqf-alal-aulad (family Waqfs) do not infringe upon the inheritance rights of women heirs, safeguarding their entitlements.
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Separate Waqf Boards for Specific Communities: Provisions allow state governments to establish distinct Waqf boards for Aghakhani and Bohra communities, addressing their unique needs.
Opposition’s Response and Concerns
The introduction of the JPC report in Parliament on February 13, 2025, was met with significant opposition. Members protested the alleged redaction of dissenting notes in the report, leading to adjournments in both Houses. Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain expressed dissatisfaction, stating that only a portion of the redacted dissent notes were reinstated, and emphasized that the party would address this issue in the upcoming session.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi also voiced concerns, warning that the bill, in its current form, could lead to potential conflicts and undermine the rights of the Muslim community. He urged the government to reconsider the proposed amendments to prevent further discord.
Next Steps and Legislative Process
With the Cabinet’s approval, the revised Waqf (Amendment) Bill is slated for introduction in the second half of the Budget Session, commencing on March 10, 2025. The government aims to pass the bill promptly to implement the proposed reforms. However, given the strong opposition, the parliamentary debate is expected to be contentious, with rigorous discussions on the bill’s implications for Waqf property management and minority rights in India.
