New Delhi: The Union Government has decided to defer the introduction of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 during the Winter Session of Parliament, citing the need for further consultations. The Bill, which aimed to overhaul the management of waqf properties, has been met with strong criticism from opposition parties, legal experts, and minority groups, reports the Hindustan Times.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs had initially planned to present the bill this session, arguing that reforms were essential to address inefficiencies and alleged mismanagement in waqf boards. However, growing resistance appears to have prompted the government to hold back.
Critics have raised alarm over the bill’s potential to undermine the autonomy of waqf boards, warning it could centralise control over these traditionally state-managed assets. Many Muslim organisations and leaders have expressed fears that the proposed changes might lead to the misuse or appropriation of waqf properties.
A representative of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board stated, “This bill, in its current form, risks eroding community rights and jeopardizing the management of waqf assets.”
Opposition parties have echoed these concerns, accusing the government of targeting minority institutions under the guise of reform. A senior Congress leader called the deferral “a victory for those resisting the systematic erosion of minority rights.”
While defending the bill, the government maintained that its primary goal was to streamline the administration of waqf properties and improve transparency. A senior official from the Ministry of Minority Affairs said, “The bill is under review to incorporate stakeholder feedback. Reforms will proceed, but we are committed to building consensus.”
The deferral is not a cancellation, and experts anticipate the bill may be reintroduced in a revised form in a future session of Parliament.
The government’s decision to delay the Waqf (Amendment) Bill has reignited discussions about the management of waqf properties and the broader implications for minority rights in India. Whether this pause will lead to meaningful engagement or further contention remains to be seen.
