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What is the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024?

PWOnlyIAS August 09, 2024 04:00 4188 0

Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after opposition parties criticized it. Understand what is Waqf Board Amendment Bill and why it is proposed.

What is the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024?

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 was proposed by the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in Lok Sabha on Thursday. In today’s ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha. The bill proposes about 40 amendments to the existing Waqf Act, 1995, which was last amended in 2013.

After a heated debate, the house referred the bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny, to which the Minister agreed.

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced in the Parliament yesterday.

The Waqf Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after opposition parties criticized it, calling the bill “draconian” and an attack on the Constitution. The bill proposes changes to the management and administration of Waqf properties, sparking concerns over potential government overreach and infringement on minority rights. The opposition argues that the bill undermines the autonomy of Waqf boards and violates constitutional protections for religious minorities. The government, however, claims that the bill aims to ensure better management and transparency.

Reported Features of Amendment Bill:

  • Waqf Board will MANDATORILY have two Non-Muslim members.
  • The survey is to be carried out by the district collector, NOT by WAQF.
  • Properties are to be registered through a Centralized Portal for better scrutiny.
  • Waqf will LOSE the right to decide whether any property is a Waqf Asset or not.

What is the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024?

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 proposes changes to the Waqf Act of 1995. The bill aims to address existing issues in the management and administration of Waqf properties, ensuring better transparency and efficiency. The amendments seek to improve the legal framework governing Waqf boards and their operations across India.

What are the Key Amendments in the Waqf Act Amendment Bill?

Key Amendments in the Waqf Act Amendment Bill are designed to address long-standing issues related to the management of Waqf properties and to align with practices in other Islamic nations where such extensive powers are not vested in a single entity. The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 introduces several key changes:

  1. Mandatory Property Verification: All property claims by Waqf Boards must undergo mandatory verification to ensure transparency and prevent misuse.
  2. Restructuring Waqf Boards: Changes to Sections 9 and 14 to alter the composition and functioning of Waqf Boards, incorporating representation for women and non-Muslims.
  3. Clear Definition of Waqf Properties: Redefining what constitutes a Waqf property to remove ambiguities.
  4. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Introduction of a more efficient mechanism to resolve disputes related to Waqf properties.
  5. Involvement of District Magistrates: District magistrates will oversee the verification and regulation of Waqf properties to ensure accountability.

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What is the Waqf Board Act?

The Waqf Board Act, initially enacted in 1995, is a legal framework governing the administration of Waqf properties in India. Waqf refers to the endowment of property for religious or charitable purposes, and the act outlines the structure, functions, and powers of Waqf boards responsible for managing these properties.

Also read: Why Centre’s Move To Revamp Waqf Boards Has Sparked A Political Storm?

Implications of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024

The Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024 will bring a lot of changes that are aiming to improve Governance in India and enhance transparency. By addressing key issues in the existing Waqf Act of 1995, the bill seeks to bring about significant administrative reforms and ensure more inclusive and efficient management of Waqf assets. Here are some implications of the Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024:

1. Enhanced Transparency

The bill includes provisions to digitize records and create a centralized database. This will make it easier to track and manage Waqf properties, reducing the potential for fraud and mismanagement.

2. Improved Governance

Administrative reforms proposed in the bill by the government will lead to more professional and efficient management of Waqf properties. This could result in better utilization of these resources for charitable and religious purposes.

3. Protection of Waqf Properties

The bill aims to protect Waqf properties by regulating leasing and preventing encroachments. Unauthorized use and exploitation of these properties will be prevented, ensuring they are used for their intended religious and charitable purposes.

4. Inclusion and Representation

Including Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards is a step toward more inclusive governance, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making.

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5. Efficient Dispute Resolution

The new dispute resolution mechanism will help in resolving conflicts related to Waqf properties more effectively, reducing the burden on regular courts and ensuring quicker justice​.

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FAQs On Waqf Board Amendment Bill 2024

The objective is to enhance the management and transparency of Waqf properties and strengthen the governance of Waqf boards.

The bill mandates the digitization of Waqf records, making information easily accessible and transparent.

Key changes include enhanced transparency, restructured Waqf boards, clear definitions of Waqf properties, an improved dispute resolution mechanism, and increased regulatory oversight.

The Waqf Board Act of 1995 is a legal framework for the administration and management of Waqf properties in India, establishing Waqf boards for this purpose.

The bill is significant as it aims to resolve longstanding management issues, ensuring that Waqf properties are effectively utilized for religious and charitable purposes.
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