Jobaaj Stories
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has sparked intense debate in the Lok Sabha, with the government and opposition engaging in a heated discussion. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju introduced the bill, which proposes significant changes to the Waqf Act, 1995. As the discussion unfolds, key political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Janasena Party, have issued whips to ensure full attendance of their MPs in the House.
Waqf Amendment Bill 2024: Provisions
The bill, which was initially introduced in August 2024, aims to bring 40 amendments to the existing Waqf Act. Some of the notable changes include:
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Inclusion of Muslim women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards
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Mandatory registration of Waqf properties with district collectors
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Shift from an elected to a government-nominated Waqf Board
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Tighter regulations to prevent misuse of Waqf assets
As per the original Waqf Act of 1995, Waqf refers to the permanent dedication of movable or immovable property for religious or charitable purposes in Islam. The proposed amendments aim to improve governance and transparency in managing Waqf properties.
Political Reactions and Support for the Bill
Senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, are actively involved in the discussions. While TDP, JD(U), and Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas) initially raised concerns, they have become more receptive after the parliamentary committee incorporated some of their recommendations.
The ruling BJP-led NDA, which holds 293 MPs in the 542-member Lok Sabha, is in a strong position to pass the bill. However, opposition parties, led by Congress, claim the bill is being rushed through without adequate consultation.
Kiren Rijiju: Opposition Spreading Misinformation
Addressing concerns, Kiren Rijiju accused the opposition of spreading rumors about the bill’s impact. He reassured that the amendments aim to protect Waqf properties while ensuring fair representation and stricter regulations.
As the eight-hour debate unfolds, the fate of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, remains uncertain, but all eyes are on the final decision in Parliament.
