New Delhi: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is set to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on April 2, sparking intense debate among political parties. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Samajwadi Party have issued a whip to all their MPs, mandating their presence during the session.
The bill, first introduced on August 8, 2024, seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, renaming it the ‘United Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 1995’ (UWMEEDA 1995). It aims to streamline waqf property registration through a central portal, introduce oversight mechanisms via a Central Waqf Council, and restructure state Waqf Boards to include representation from Muslim women and non-Muslims. Additionally, it grants District Collectors the authority to determine waqf property status.
The bill has faced significant resistance from opposition parties, who argue that it threatens the autonomy of waqf institutions and could negatively impact the Muslim community. The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the Lok Sabha has allocated eight hours for discussion, with Minorities Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expected to address concerns before seeking parliamentary approval.
As the session unfolds, political tensions are expected to rise, with opposition leaders calling for extensive deliberation. The debate over the bill is likely to highlight broader concerns regarding minority rights and governance in India.
