8 August, New Delhi: To alter the Waqf Act of 1995, the BJP-led government is scheduled to bring the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The purpose of the bill is to “effectively address issues” pertaining to the authority of the State Waqf Boards, waqf property registration and surveying, and infringement removal.
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has scheduled the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024’s presentation in the Lok Sabha for this Thursday.
According to party sources, the Samajwadi Party would oppose the Waqf Bill in Parliament.
Government has decided upon the withdrawal of The Waqf Properties Bill, 2014, which was introduced in the Rajya Sabha in February 2014, during the UPA government led by Congress.
In addition to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Rijiju will also introduce Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 which seeks to repeal the Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923.
The Waqf Act, 1995 is going to be known as the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, according to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
It aims to define “waqf” as an Islamic endowment by any individual who has owned land and practiced Islam for at least five years. It also makes sure that the establishment of Waqf-alal-aulad does not result in the denial of women’s inheritance rights.
Additionally, it aims to remove the clauses pertaining to “waqf by user,” assign the duties of the Survey Commissioner to the Collector or any other officer not lower than the rank of Deputy Collector, make sure that Muslim women and non-Muslims are represented on both the Central and State Waqf Boards, and provide for a broad composition of the Central waqf Council.
The law aims to establish a distinct Board for Boharas and Aghakhanis, as stated in the declaration of purposes and reasons.
It facilitates the waqf registration process through a central platform and database, allowing for the representation of backward classes among Muslim Community, including Agakhani, Bohra, and Shia.
It outlines a thorough process for changing a property’s status in accordance with revenue rules, giving everyone involved enough notice before designating any property as waqf property.
