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Rajya Sabha Live: Waqf Amendment Bill Passed
The Rajya Sabha passed the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the early hours of April 4th, 2025, following a marathon 13-hour debate. The bill, which aims to improve the management of Waqf properties and enhance transparency, sparked intense debate, with 128 votes in favor and 95 against.
Key Highlights of the Debate
The debate saw heated exchanges between the ruling BJP and the opposition. While the government championed the bill as a step towards better governance and the protection of Waqf properties, the opposition, including the Congress, criticized it as potentially discriminatory and unconstitutional. MP Kapil Sibal raised concerns about the lack of similar reforms within Hindu religious trusts, highlighting the need for equitable treatment of women in inheritance.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the bill's passage as a "historic event," marking the end of an era of injustice and corruption. He emphasized that the bill aims to bring greater accountability and transparency to the administration of Waqf properties, benefiting the poor and marginalized within the Muslim community. However, the Congress has announced its intention to challenge the bill's constitutionality in the Supreme Court.
Bill's Provisions and Objectives
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeks to address several key areas: improving transparency in property management; streamlining coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities; protecting stakeholder rights; and improving the economic and social status of Muslim women. The bill also aims to make the Waqf Board more inclusive by incorporating representation from various Muslim sects. The government maintains that the bill's intent is not to target any specific community but rather to modernize Waqf administration.
Reactions and Next Steps
Several Chief Ministers, including Chhattisgarh's Vishnu Deo Sai, have expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its potential to protect tribal land rights. However, opposition parties remain steadfast in their criticism, with concerns ranging from constitutional violations to the potential for misuse. The bill now awaits presidential assent before becoming law.
For the latest updates on the Rajya Sabha proceedings and the Waqf Amendment Bill, continue to check our stories.
