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The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is at the center of a political storm, with accusations of the government attempting to seize Muslim lands through the proposed legislation. However, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has vehemently refuted these claims, stating that some individuals are spreading false propaganda and that many in the Muslim community have voiced their support for the bill.
Rijiju, the Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister, emphasized the importance of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in reviewing the bill, highlighting that it has received an unprecedented number of recommendations. He pointed out that the JPC's discussions are part of a broader national initiative to reform the Waqf Act, ensuring that waqf properties are utilized effectively for the benefit of the community. The JPC is focusing on key aspects of the bill, including digitization of records, stricter audits, enhanced legal recourse for encroachments, and decentralization of waqf management.
To ensure that the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act are practical, effective, and responsive to community needs, the JPC is undertaking consultations with various stakeholders in five states from September 26 to October 1. These discussions aim to gather valuable insights and perspectives from diverse groups, including Muslim organizations and individuals. The JPC is expected to submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the end of the first week of the upcoming parliamentary session, marking a critical step in the legislative process.
The Waqf Act, enacted in 1995, governs the management of over 600,000 registered waqf properties across India. Concerns regarding mismanagement, corruption, and encroachments have plagued the Act, prompting the need for comprehensive reforms. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these concerns through measures such as digitization, stricter audits, enhanced transparency, and legal actions to reclaim unlawfully occupied properties.
The ongoing debate surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill underscores the importance of open and transparent dialogue between the government, the Muslim community, and other stakeholders. The JPC's consultations provide a valuable platform for addressing concerns, fostering consensus, and ensuring that the proposed amendments are aligned with the best interests of the community and the nation as a whole.
Source: 'Muslim bodies rally behind Waqf Bill; people spreading false narrative': Rijiju